CPKN welcomed nearly 100 delegates from across Canada to its annual CPKN Conference.
By Rachel Cutcliffe
The Canadian Police Knowledge Network (CPKN) hosted its annual CPKN Conference (formerly Stanhope) from September 22 to 24, in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island (PEI), drawing delegates from across the country to connect, collaborate, and advance professional development in policing.
The CPKN Conference is an opportunity to bring together innovators, members of training units, practitioners, and decision-makers to explore current issues facing the police and public safety communities and identify innovative learning solutions. It is renowned for its focus on meaningful connection and networking.
“At its core, CPKN is about our Network, so it is no surprise that our conference is really about bringing people together,” said Sonia Poulin, President, CPKN. “It’s an opportunity to step away from the day-to-day, connect with colleagues and peers, share ideas and experiences, and build the relationships that help move our Network forward.”
This year’s conference brought together 93 delegates from 42 organizations. The theme, From Simulation to Street: Technology that Connects Training to Performance, was explored through two key subthemes: technology integration and artificial intelligence.
Ahead of the conference, delegates had the opportunity to take part in a pre-conference workshop, Building Learning That Lasts: Applying Adult Learning and Memory Science – A Practical Workshop for Course Developers, hosted by Dominic Mallett, Innovation Advisor, CPKN. This workshop explored practical approaches to designing learning that sticks and supports real-world decision-making in policing.
The conference kicked off with a panel featuring five senior police leaders, moderated by Colin Stairs, Chief Transformation Officer, Toronto Police Service, and CPKN Board Member. Joining him were Warren Driechel, Chief, Edmonton Police Service, and CPKN Board Member; Nishan Duraiappah, Chief, Peel Regional Police, and CPKN Board Secretary; Jennifer Ebert, Assistant Commissioner, Operational Policing Services, Contract and Indigenous Policing, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and CPKN Board Chair; and Don MacLean, Chief, Halifax Regional Police.
The panel explored the evolving relationship between technology, training, and performance, with each leader sharing insights from their own service and perspectives on what the future may hold for policing and public safety organizations.
The conference continued with a diverse lineup of sessions exploring how technology and innovation are shaping the future of police and public safety training. Across two days, delegates heard from experts and practitioners, shared experiences from their own organizations, celebrated excellence through the presentation of CPKN Awards, and had plenty of opportunities to connect and network.
“Our CPKN Conference is more than a conference, it is a reminder of what is possible when our Network comes together,” said Poulin. “When we come together, we have an opportunity to collaborate, challenge each other, and find new ways to transform policing and public safety, together.”
The next CPKN Conference will be held in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island from October 5 to 7, 2027.
