Essex County OPP Seeks Community Representative for North Board

The Essex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is actively seeking a community representative from the Town of Essex to join its north detachment board. This board plays a critical role in shaping local policing policies, collaborating with the OPP to establish priorities, providing guidance, and facilitating communication with the community.

The north board represents the communities of Tecumseh, Essex, and the Municipality of Lakeshore, while the south board is responsible for the Municipality of Leamington, Kingsville, Township of Pelee, and Caldwell First Nation. Each board works to ensure that local policing reflects the needs and concerns of the residents it serves.

Essex Mayor and board member Sherry Bondy highlighted the importance of community representation on the board, noting that these roles rotate among the communities. “Coming up on January 1, 2026, the Town of Essex gets their turn to have another community voice on the board,” Bondy stated.

The ideal candidate should reside in the Town of Essex, possess a strong interest in policing and community safety, and be eager to contribute at the board level. Bondy emphasized the value of incorporating diverse perspectives from community members. “I kind of think it will be an easy job right now because I’m really happy with how the OPP have really turned around their service,” she noted. “Many of us are seeing an increase in policing, so it’s a good time to join the board to be part of the good momentum that is going on with OPP service in Essex County.”

The board typically convenes six times during the one-year term, with meetings scheduled for Monday mornings. Bondy pointed out that applicants should ensure they have the availability to attend daytime meetings. “It’s a low commitment. It involves reading your agendas and asking appropriate questions when you get there. Sometimes we also support the OPP in the community at their events,” she explained.

Interested candidates can apply until November 5, 2023. More information about the application process and requirements is available on the OPP’s official website. This opportunity represents a chance for community members to engage directly with local law enforcement and contribute to the safety and well-being of their neighborhoods.