Police Boards
In British Columbia, each municipal police department is overseen by an appointed police board. These boards perform a governance and oversight function under the BC Police Act.
In 2002/2003, the JIBC Police Academy undertook a research project to examine the role and effectiveness of municipal police boards in BC. Conducted on behalf of the Police Services Division, Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, the report was released in the spring of 2003. Titled Municipal Police Board Governance in British Columbia , the report contains a number of recommendations.
Of these, some refer to strategies for the enhancement of police board knowledge and effectiveness. Included is the development of a dedicated collection of resources within the JIBC Library for police board members and senior police executives.
Suggested Readings
- Municipal Police Board Governance in British Columbia
- Best Practices - A Framework for Professionalism and Success in Police Board Governance
Governance Training Initiative
Through consultation with the British Columbia Association of Police Boards (BCAPB) a series of topics was identified for delivery to Police Board members. Since May 2007 sessions have been developed and delivered by the JIBC Police Academy with the assistance of a number of subject matter experts from various fields.
Past Session Presentations
Succession Planning Within Departments and the Selection Process for a Chief (September 20, 2008):
Change Management presentation by Chief Constable Kash Heed, West Vancouver Police Department (December 6, 2008):
For more information on municipal police boards in British Columbia, visit the Police Services Division or the Canadian Association of Police Boards. For more information on the work the Police Academy is currently undertaking with BC municipal police boards, contact Mike Trump, Director, Justice and Public Safety Division, JIBC.
Last updated June 8, 2011
