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Becoming a London Police Service Board Member:
City of London Applications Now Open
The City of London is currently accepting applications for one community member appointment to the London Police Service Board. The successful applicant will be appointed by Municipal Council. Applications close Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
Below is an overview of the Board’s responsibilities and what serving as a member involves.
What a Police Service Board is responsible for
The London Police Service Board governs the London Police Service and ensures adequate, effective policing in London. Working as a collective entity, the Board sets strategic priorities and policies, approves the police budget, and holds the Chief of Police accountable for the Service’s performance.
This work involves considering community needs, weighing competing demands and making informed decisions about policing priorities, resources and results.
Members bring their knowledge, experience and perspectives to these discussions, but the Board exercises its authority collectively. Individual members do not direct police officers or make operational decisions. The Chief is responsible for the Service’s day-to-day operations.
While it is a significant time commitment (up to 20-40 hours per month), it also offers an opportunity to make a valuable contribution to your community and help build a safer London.
Serving on an Ontario police service board
A policing background is not required. However, Board members need to understand the matters before them, question the information provided and weigh the implications of their decisions.
Key Board responsibilities include establishing policies, setting strategic priorities, determining the budget needed to provide adequate, effective policing, and holding the Chief accountable for the Service’s performance.
Members serve the community as a whole. Seeking community input and understanding different experiences and concerns are part of that responsibility. Members must balance competing interests, available resources and policing needs, bringing their own judgment to collective decisions in the broader public interest.
The role requires sound judgment, careful preparation, and a willingness to learn about policing and civilian governance. Members are expected to consider different viewpoints, ask difficult questions respectfully and weigh competing needs when making decisions. Members ask the Chief to explain the Service’s decisions and results so the Board can assess whether its policies and priorities are being met, without directing day-to-day police operations.
The time commitment
The commitment extends beyond the monthly Board meeting and can fall between 20-40 hours per month.
Regular meetings are generally held on the third Thursday of each month and can occupy a full day, with approximately four to six hours of advance reading. Members also participate in assigned committees, workshops, training and community or Service events. The time required varies depending on committee assignments and the matters before the Board.
Training and knowledge requirements
Members must complete mandatory training and continue developing their knowledge throughout their appointment through conferences, educational opportunities, and tours. They are also entrusted with sensitive information and must protect confidentiality, identify and manage conflicts of interest, and follow the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 and the Code of Conduct for Police Service Board Members.
Who should consider applying?
Different experiences and perspectives contribute to the Board’s work. The Board should reflect the community it serves!
Individuals must reside in the City of London and must not be a judge, justice of the peace, police officer, or criminal defence lawyer.
For anyone considering the role, the Board’s Becoming a Board Member FAQs provide more information about qualifications, appointment processes and the time commitment.
Learn more and apply
Eligible London residents can find application details through the City of London’s Boards and Commissions page.
Applications close Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
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