Her commitment to leadership development, knowledge-sharing, and reconciliation has made a lasting impact on Canada’s public safety community.
By Laura Newcombe
The Canadian Police Knowledge Network (CPKN) recently awarded Sue Decock, retired Chief Superintendent, Ontario Provincial Police, with the 2026 CPKN Compass Award.
This award was created in 2025 to recognize an individual, training unit, police service or any configuration there within who truly embodies the values and spirit of CPKN. This distinction is awarded to those who demonstrate collaboration, integrity, and a strong commitment to advancing learning and knowledge-sharing within the policing community, as well as supporting CPKN’s broader mission.
The nominations for the award are submitted by CPKN staff and the recipient is selected through a vote by all staff members.
“The success of CPKN relies on the collective effort of the Network, this award is particularly meaningful because it reflects recognition from our staff,” said Sonia Poulin, President, CPKN. “Sue’s willingness to share her knowledge, experience and perspective has had a lasting impact on our staff, and the broader public safety community.”
Decock has been an invaluable partner to CPKN through her commitment to leadership development and Indigenous relations.
As a facilitator of the Canadian Credible Leadership (CCL) Cohort she creates engaging, inclusive learning environments where participants from across Canada can strengthen their leadership skills, share experiences and build lasting connections.
Beyond her facilitations, she has worked closely with CPKN staff to strengthen the CCL program, further enhance participant engagement, and support the development of meaningful Indigenous relations initiatives.
She has provided thoughtful guidance in the creation of CPKN’s Reconciliation Framework with her policing perspective and as a band member of Alderville First Nation. Decock has been involved throughout the entire process; reviewing initial iterations and providing overall mentorship with an open-door approach for CPKN staff.
“Those of you who know me, know I am very passionate about police training and education,” Decock shared in an acceptance video played during the award presentation at the 2026 CPKN conference, as she was unable to attend. “It is my pleasure to spend time with officers, as well as public safety personnel from a variety of organizations from across the country through the CCL program.”
With 30 years of policing experience, Sue consistently represents professionalism, authenticity and practical insight with every interaction. Her generosity in sharing this with both CPKN and the broader public safety community models what the Compass Award was created to honour.
To learn more about the CPKN Compass Award, please visit https://www.cpkn.ca/en/the-compass-award/
