CPKN Releases the Modernized Competency-Based Management Framework Report
The modernization of the Competency-Based Management Framework for Canadian policing represents a significant step toward aligning police competencies with the evolving demands of today’s society.
By Rachel Cutcliffe
The Canadian Police Knowledge Network (CPKN) is pleased to announce the release of the report Modernizing the Competency-Based Management Framework (CBMF) in Canadian Policing to all police services across the country.
Under the leadership of Dominic Mallett, Innovation Advisor, Department of Innovation, CPKN; Angela Ripley, Competency Based Education and Assessment Consultant; and in collaboration with the Competencies Subcommittee of CPKN’s National Advisory Committee, this modernization marks a vital advancement in aligning police competencies with the evolving landscape in society.
“The CBMF was created through a collaborative national process, including literature reviews, stakeholder input, and surveys,” said Chantelle Ivanski, Director of Innovation, CPKN. “The result is an evidence-informed framework that responds to community needs and covers both sworn and civilian roles.”
Originally developed by the Police Sector Council in 2013, the CBMF has not been revised until this year. Due to a growing need from police services across Canada, this comprehensive review ensured the framework remained relevant, accurate, effective, and reflective of contemporary needs within Canadian policing.
The updated CBMF now comprises 22 core competencies, a reduction from the initial 52. It has been reorganized into two primary areas: Personal Skills and Leadership Skills, which are further subdivided into six domains, each encapsulating specific core competencies.
To foster inclusivity for both sworn officers and civilian personnel, technical competencies related exclusively to investigative functions have been removed. The revision also introduces forward-looking competencies designed to address both current and emerging challenges within the policing environment.
“The updated CBMF has a lot of benefits for the community. It will provide evidence-based support to help improve human resource practices, where needed, including areas like recruitment, selection, performance management, and promotion,” said Ivanski. “For training and development, it offers a blueprint to align education with competencies, enabling relevant and measurable learning pathways tailored to operational needs.”
The report is available in both English and French.
The CBMF will be released as an English Excel document upon request in the coming weeks with plans to digitize and improve accessibility in the future.
To join the distribution list for receiving a copy once released, please email cbmf@cpkn.ca. After release, those requiring support with implementation or tool development for individual services may contact their account representative or cbmf@cpkn.ca for assistance to facilitate effective use of the document.
To read the full report in English, please click here: Modernizing the Competency-Based Management Framework in Canadian Policing
To read the full report in French, please click here: Modernisation du cadre de gestion axée sur les compétences pour les services de police canadiens