LONDON POLICE SERVICE BOARD

Governance

Independent civilian governance is intended to build public trust in policing by ensuring that law enforcement operates separately from political influence and reflects community values. It provides a framework for translating public needs into policing policies. It balances the interests of the public, police leadership, elected officials and other stakeholders to make fair and effective decisions.

While the Board is responsible for developing policies respecting the administration of the police service and the provision of adequate and effective policing, it is in the process of developing a Governance Manual to provide a clear framework for its own operations.

This Manual will include processes around the Board’s roles, responsibilities, policies and procedures. It will ensure consistency, transparency and accountability in decision-making; align actions with strategic goals; support compliance with legal obligations; and foster informed, effective governance.

The Board Governance Manual will be uploaded here as soon as it is finalized.

The London Police Services Board is pleased to share the 2025 The Year Ahead: A Governance Roadmap, presented at the December 2024 Board meeting. In this update, Executive Director Stephanie Johanssen highlights key accomplishments from the past few years, priority initiatives already underway, and the Board’s plan to strengthen transparency, accountability and community trust in the year ahead.

The 2025 Mid-Year Governance Roadmap Report Back provides updates on the status of these initiatives.

Below are summaries of key police oversight entities in Ontario, each responsible for upholding policing standards and ensuring compliance with legislation to maintain accountability and public trust.

COMMUNITY SAFETY AND POLICING ACT

The Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 (CSPA) establishes the framework for modern, community-focused policing in Ontario. It prioritizes public safety, accountability and responsiveness to diverse community needs. The Act strengthens police oversight through the Inspector General of Policing, clarifies governance roles for police boards and chiefs, and promotes collaboration with social and community services. By modernizing policing standards and addressing emerging challenges, the CSPA ensures that policing aligns with public expectations and that it operates transparently and effectively.

THE INSPECTORATE OF POLICING AND THE INSPECTOR GENERAL

As part of Ontario’s modernized approach to police oversight, the Community Safety and Policing Act (CSPA) established the role of the Inspector General of Policing to uphold compliance with policing laws, ensure the accountability of police boards, and support the delivery of high-quality policing services.

Inspector General Ryan Teschner, supported by the staff at the Inspectorate of Policing, conducts inspections of police services, police service boards and organizations that employ special constables, as well as handles certain types of public complaints. Acting as a progressive oversight, the Inspector General and the Inspectorate of Policing provide evidence-based guidance on governance and operations and enforces compliance through measures or directions when required.

By promoting transparency, accountability and data-driven practices, the Inspector General plays a vital role in building public trust and fostering effective policing. Through public reporting on inspections and activities, the Inspectorate of Policing serves the public interest and reinforces openness to strengthen confidence in Ontario’s policing framework.

For more information, please visit the Inspector General’s official website: www.iopontario.ca/en or you can view the 2023 IG Annual Report here: 2023 Annual Report of the Inspector General of Policing.

LAW ENFORCEMENT COMPLAINTS AGENCY (LECA)

The Law Enforcement Complaints Agency (LECA) is Ontario’s independent civilian oversight body responsible for receiving, managing and overseeing public complaints about police misconduct. Established under the CSPA, LECA ensures that all public complaints against police officers—including municipal, regional, provincial (OPP) and certain special constables—are addressed transparently, effectively and fairly.

LECA’s mandate includes:

  • Receiving and Screening Complaints: Accepting formal complaints from the public regarding police conduct.
  • Investigating Misconduct: Conducting thorough investigations into allegations of police misconduct to determine their validity.
  • Systemic Reviews: Retaining the ability to conduct systemic reviews to identify and address broader issues within law enforcement practices.
  • Public Reporting: Providing transparent reports on its activities and findings to maintain public trust.

By upholding these responsibilities, LECA plays a crucial role in maintaining accountability within Ontario’s law enforcement agencies, ensuring that police services are conducted in accordance with the law and community expectations.

For more information or to file a complaint, visit LECA’s official website.

PARTNERSHIPS WITH ASSOCIATIONS

The London Police Service Board works closely with key policing associations to ensure the highest standards of public safety. These organizations foster innovation, enhance governance, promote accountability and provide valuable insights on complex policing issues. Through collaboration and participation in conferences with various policing associations, police boards can better fulfill their mandate, make informed decisions, and build public trust.

LONDON POLICE ASSOCIATION AND POLICE ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO (LPA AND POA)
The London Police Association (LPA) and the Police Association of Ontario (PAO) play key roles in the broader framework of police governance and labour relations, making them important stakeholders for police boards. The LPA represents the collective interests of sworn officers and civilian staff within the London Police Service, focusing on local labour relations, working conditions and member welfare. For police boards, the LPA serves as a critical partner in fostering collaboration and addressing operational concerns, ensuring a balance between the Board’s governance role and the needs of our members.

The PAO, operating at a provincial level, advocates for policies, funding and legislative changes that impact police services and personnel across Ontario. For boards, the PAO provides insight into broader trends, legislative developments, and emerging issues in policing, helping to inform strategic decision-making and governance. Both associations contribute to the dialogue that ensures effective, equitable and sustainable policing, aligned with community needs.

ONTARIO ASSOCIATION OF POLICE SERVICE BOARDS (OAPSB):
The OAPSB represents police boards across Ontario, providing advocacy, training and resources to help boards fulfill their governance roles effectively. It serves as a collective voice for Ontario police boards, promoting best practices and addressing emerging issues in public safety and police oversight.

CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF POLICE GOVERNANCE (CAPG):
The CAPG is a national organization that supports police governance bodies across Canada. It advocates for effective civilian oversight and provides members with access to research, resources and networking opportunities to strengthen public safety and accountability.

ONTARIO ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE (OACP):
The OACP represents police leadership in Ontario, focusing on advancing the professional development of police chiefs and fostering collaboration on public safety initiatives. The association supports innovation and excellence in policing across the province.

STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD

The Board has three standing committees that support its governance responsibilities: Human Resources, Finance and Governance. Each committee focuses on key areas to ensure effective oversight, strategic decision making and accountability. Committees have an advisory role and make recommendations to the Board, which holds the ultimate decision-making authority.

HUMAN RESOURCES & COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

The HR Committee oversees human resources policies, executive compensation and workplace culture, ensuring fair hiring, succession planning and compliance with employment laws.

FINANCE COMMITTEE

The Finance Committee reviews financial statements, audits and funding strategies to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the budget development process.

GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

The Governance Committee ensures the Board’s adherence to governance best practices by reviewing policies and ensuring that processes for strategic planning and legislative compliance are in place. This Committee also encourages Board development and training to support informed decision making.