This presentation examines how four Canadian municipal police services prepare newly promoted sergeants for leadership through formal training. It invites participants to critically reflect on entry-level leadership development and how training design affects real-world application. Relevant to police leaders, training coordinators, and policy makers, the presentation supports CPKN Conference themes such as innovative methodologies, emerging policing trends, and professional development. It concludes with future research directions, including the next phase of the presenter’s doctoral study, aimed at generating practical, evidence-based recommendations to improve police leadership training nationwide.

Presenter:

Aman Nasser, Inspector, Surrey Police Service

This presentation will start with an easily understandable explanation of how the most recent AI innovations (generative AI, large language models, etc.) work. We will then explore the current use cases, “abuse” cases, as well as a number of challenges, and pitfalls with these technologies. The topic of “deepfakes” and their impacts will be examined in detail. The session will conclude with a look to the future and provide several resources for further exploration.

Presenter:

Jake van der Laan, Data Scientist, University of New Brunswick

As public sector organizations face rapid change, coaching is emerging as a key strategy for building agile leadership, resilient teams, and a culture of continuous learning. This presentation explores how coaching is evolving from individual support to a system-wide approach that fosters collaboration, equity, and innovation. Using real-world examples, it highlights trends like peer networks, AI-enabled platforms, and cross-sector partnerships. Gain practical insights into how coaching supports psychological safety, engagement, and leadership retention—reframing professional development as a shared, ongoing process that prepares the public sector to lead through complexity.

Presenter:

Ashley Kimlin, Constable, Peel Regional Police

This session’s presenters were recent “graduates” of CPKN’s most recent Canadian Credible Leadership cohort, and have significant operational experience in both sworn and civilian policing roles. In this presentation, they intended to lean on their experiences to present what they are calling the Three “N” Framework for leveraging partnerships and cooperation in our organizations. Using the Three “N” model (Networking, Needs Analysis, and New Perspectives); they offered a roadmap to understanding why partnerships are vital to continuous improvement, how to know when partnerships are useful, and when they can be used to open up opportunities for individuals and organizations.

Presenters:

Zack Maharaj, Sergeant, Winnipeg Police Service
Namra Moledina, Information System Support Analyst, Halton Regional Police Service
Kai Noesgaard, Sergeant, Saskatoon Police Service

This session introduced the Toronto Police Service’s Technology Integration Section, spotlighting their strategy for advancing innovation, empowerment, and scalability in policing. Attendees learned how the Service tackled the challenges of large-scale technology rollouts, moving beyond simple acquisition to true mastery through hands-on, scenario-based training. The Tech Ambassador Program was presented as a scalable model for building internal leadership, supporting distributed training, and fostering a culture of innovation. Participants also explored new initiatives including mobile technologies, virtual reality training, AI-powered podcasts, and ongoing collaboration with Axon. The central message: proactively prepare for rapid technological change by identifying training gaps and empowering teams for sustainable innovation.

Presenters:

Sean O’Brien, Sergeant, Toronto Police Service
Jesse Weeks, Sergeant, Toronto Police Service

The Calgary Police Service partnered with the University of Calgary’s Shift to prevent workplace harassment and foster a culture of safety, equity, and belonging. Using Shift’s Changing Contexts Approach, the initiative focused on reshaping daily interactions and norms rather than traditional compliance training. Spanning recruit training, team engagement, executive development, and HR policy, it was one of CPS’s most well-received efforts—thanks to its co-development model and practical, behaviour-based design. The presentation shared insights on building psychological safety, reducing resistance to change, and strengthening capacity to prevent harassment before it occurs.

Presenter:

Kim Assailly, Director, Calgary Police Service