Bring your expertise. Shape the future. Be part of what’s next.
By Rachel Cutcliffe
At its core, the Canadian Police Knowledge Network (CPKN) is a network. For more than two decades, the Network has been strengthened by the expertise, experience, guidance, and perspectives of people working across policing and public safety.
Integral parts of the Network have been CPKN’s Board of Directors and the National Advisory Committee (NAC). The latter, bringing together policing and public safety training experts to provide advice and guidance on the development of CPKN’s products, services, and initiatives to help ensure they meet the needs of the Network.
As CPKN has evolved, so too has the need for diverse perspectives to help shape its future. To support this, CPKN is introducing a new Strategic Council which will be comprised of subject matter experts, thought leaders, and innovators who will provide foresight and strategic guidance. They will help CPKN anticipate emerging trends, identify opportunities, challenge assumptions, and adapt in a rapidly changing environment.
“This is an exciting new chapter for CPKN,” said Sonia Poulin, President, CPKN. “Our Board of Directors provides strong governance and strategic oversight, while our National Advisory Committee brings invaluable expertise and perspectives from across policing and public safety. The Strategic Council will further strengthen this foundation by creating a dedicated forum to explore emerging issues, opportunities and ideas that can help inform CPKN’s future direction and continue creating value for policing and public safety.”
National Advisory Committee: Strengthening Representation of the Network
The NAC will expand from 16 to up to 20 members, creating additional opportunities to bring a broad range of experiences and perspectives from police services and public safety organizations across Canada. CPKN expects to recruit approximately 10 new members through this process.
The committee will seek representation that reflects the diversity of Canada’s policing and public safety landscape. This includes different sizes and types of services, Francophone and First Nations service representation, regional and jurisdictional diversity, and both sworn and civilian roles.
To be considered for the National Advisory Committee, applicants must have a role within a training unit or a direct role related to training, learning or professional development within their service or organization.
“The strength of the NAC comes from bringing people together who understand the realities of training and professional development in our Network,” said Poulin. “Expanding the committee will allow us to hear from an even broader range of voices and ensure that CPKN’s products, services, and offerings continue to be relevant, practical, and responsive to the needs of the Network.”
Strategic Council: Looking Beyond Today
CPKN will also recruit up to 10 members to its new Strategic Council. The Council will bring together recognized experts, thought leaders, innovators, and creative thinkers from within and beyond policing and public safety.
Members may bring expertise in areas such as adult learning, research, technology, innovation, artificial intelligence, organizational development, leadership, digital transformation, and other fields that can help CPKN understand and respond to what is coming next.
The Council will provide a space for constructive challenge, fresh perspectives, and strategic dialogue. This new addition will help CPKN think beyond current priorities and better understand the forces shaping the future of policing and public safety.
“We don’t want to simply respond to change, we want to understand it, anticipate it, and help our Network navigate it,” said Poulin. “The Strategic Council will bring perspectives from inside and outside our traditional circles and challenge us to think differently about what CPKN and our Network could look like in the years ahead.”
Join the Conversation
Recruitment for both the NAC and the Strategic Council will begin October 1, 2026.
Applicants will be asked to submit:
- A brief letter of intent outlining their interest and the perspective or expertise they would bring;
- A current CV; and
- A letter of support from their home service or organization.
Both self-applications and nominations are encouraged for both groups. Whether your expertise, or that of someone you know, comes from policing, public safety, learning, technology, research, innovation, or another field, CPKN is looking for people who are ready to bring fresh perspectives, challenge ideas, offer sound advice, and help shape what comes next for our Network.
Applications and nominations are encouraged by October 31, 2026. Submissions received after this date will continue to be considered as opportunities arise and may be kept on file for future consideration.
The full recruitment package should be sent to communications@cpkn.ca, with the name of the committee being applied to included in the subject line. Questions can be directed to Rachel Cutcliffe at rachel.cutcliffe@cpkn.ca.
