Ontario Provincial Police detachment boards work with local communities that are policed by the OPP. They ensure each municipality and First Nation community has an opportunity to represent their local perspectives, needs and priorities.

Each OPP detachment has one or more OPP detachment board, as specified in regulation under the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019.

OPP detachment boards are responsible for:

• determining objectives and priorities for the detachment, in consultation with the OPP detachment commander
• advising the OPP detachment commander assigned to the municipal area on policing provided by the detachment  and supports required in the area
• participating in the selection of the detachment commander
• receiving regular reports from the detachment commander
• monitoring the performance of the detachment commander
• providing an annual report to the municipalities and band councils regarding policing provided by the detachment
• establishing local policing policies, as needed

Additionally, a band council of a First Nation may request the Solicitor General to establish a First Nation OPP board. First Nation OPP boards oversee the policing provided by the OPP Commissioner in agreement with a First Nation reserve or specific community.

The Marathon O.P.P Detachment Board shall meet a minimum of four (4) times per year, and more frequently at the discretion of the Chair. The meetings, agendas, and minutes will be available to the public, on the municipal website in accordance with the Board’s Policies and Procedures. 

If you have any questions about the O.P.P. Detachment Board, contact the Deputy Clerk at deputyclerk@marathon.ca or 807-229-1340 ext 2238.

Police Governance in Ontario

Police governance in Ontario is a shared public responsibility. Civilian oversight is a required part of policing under the Community Safety and Policing Act. Every community in Ontario is served by a Police Service Board, a First Nation Board, or an OPP Detachment Board.

These boards help ensure policing is delivered in a way that reflects community needs, promotes accountability, and supports public trust.

Police governance boards are responsible for setting the strategic direction for policing in their communities. Their responsibilities include:

• Establishing local priorities for police services
• Monitoring police service performance
• Supporting the Chief or OPP Detachment Commander in delivering adequate and effective policing
• Ensuring policing is responsive to the needs of the community
• Overseeing policies that support transparency and accountability

Police governance is not about directing day-to-day operations. Boards provide oversight and accountability while respecting the operational independence of the Chief or Detachment Commander.

Police Governance Ontario supports civilian police governance across the province. Assist police service boards, OPP detachment boards, and First Nations boards govern with clarity, confidence, and accountability.

Responsibilities for police service boards include:

• determining objectives and priorities for police services
• establishing policies for the administration and effective management of the police service
• appointing members of the police service
• preparing a strategic plan at least once every four years
• recruiting and appointing the chief of police and deputy chief
• monitoring the performance of the chief of police
• participating in collective bargaining and working agreement processes as the employer

Board members are required to:

• successfully complete the following training that is approved by the Solicitor General:
  • role of a police service board and the responsibilities of members of a board or committee
  • human rights and systemic racism
  • promoting the recognition of and respect for the diverse, multiracial and multicultural character of Ontario society as well as the rights and cultures of First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples
  • any other training required by the Solicitor General
• participate in the election of a chair at the first meeting in each year, which may also include electing a vice-chair
• follow and adhere to the Members of Police Service Boards Code of Conduct
• attend meetings as determined by the board, with no fewer than four meetings each year

Many boards hold monthly or special meetings throughout the year. Some boards may expect members to attend certain events related to the board’s work. Local police service boards can provide more information on the time commitment required.

Remuneration (pay) is provincially regulated, and the amount is determined and paid by the municipality.

Police service boards oversee how policing is provided in their local community. They contribute to their community’s safety and well-being by working with local citizens and organizations to make sure their community receives the appropriate policing it needs.

Policing is overseen by a board where a community chooses to either:

• establish a municipal police service
• establish a joint police service with other municipalities
• establish a First Nation police service
• receive policing services from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)
• receive policing services from a First Nation police service that has opted into the Community Safety and Policing Services Act, 2019.

Municipal police service boards consist of:

• an equal number of members appointed from both the regional or municipal council and the province
• one community member is chosen by the council

You can find current vacancies in municipal police service boards and apply to become a provincially-appointed board member.

Provincial members are appointed by the Lieutenant Governor, by Order in Council.

Provincial appointees reflect the diversity of the people of Ontario and deliver services and decisions in a non-partisan, professional, ethical and competent manner. Appointees are committed to the principles and values of public service.

To qualify as a board member, you must:

• be a resident of the area served by the board (if there are no other qualified applicants in an area, applicants who live outside of the  area served by the board may be considered)
• complete a comprehensive police records check
• understand the role of a police services board
• be involved in your local community
• have good written and verbal communications skills

Previous experience on boards or committees is considered an asset. Learn more about eligibility to become a board member.

Board members may be subject to other statutes, regulations, rules or directives that currently exist or may be established that apply to agencies, boards or commissions. This includes people currently employed by the Ontario Public Service. Employees of the Ontario Public Service are excluded from becoming provincially-appointed members to police service boards.

Board members are required to:

• successfully complete the following training that is approved by the Solicitor General:
  • role of a police service board and the responsibilities of members of a board or committee
  • human rights and systemic racism
  • promoting the recognition of and respect for the diverse, multiracial and multicultural character of Ontario society as well as the rights and cultures of First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples
  • any other training required by the Solicitor General
• participate in the election of a chair at the first meeting in each year, which may also include electing a vice-chair
• follow and adhere to the Members of Police Service Boards Code of Conduct
• attend meetings as determined by the board, with no fewer than four meetings each year

Many boards hold monthly or special meetings throughout the year. Some boards may expect members to attend certain events related to the board’s work. Local police service boards can provide more information on the time commitment required.

Remuneration (pay) is provincially regulated, and the amount is determined and paid by the municipality.