Police Services Board

Oxford O.P.P. Detachment Board 2

The Oxford O.P.P. Detachment Board 2 is the civilian oversight body for police services delivered by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in several rural townships within Oxford County. It ensures public accountability, liaises between municipalities, the community, and the O.P.P., and helps set policing priorities and standards. 

Jurisdiction

The Detachment Board provides oversight for the following municipalities:

• Township of Blandford-Blenheim 

• Township of East-Zorra Tavistock 

• Township of Norwich 

• Township of South-West Oxford 

• Township of Zorra 

Mandate & Authority

• The Board operates under Section 61(1) of the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019, which requires municipalities that contract with the O.P.P. to have a Detachment Board. 

• It is governed by O. Reg. 135/24, which prescribes the membership and procedures. 

• The Board's Terms of Reference outline its role: making decisions where required, advising municipal councils, interacting with the community, monitoring performance of detachment command, setting objectives and priorities for policing, etc. 

Board Composition

The membership includes elected officials from the partner townships, O.P.P. representation, and community appointees. Current members include:

• Chair: Councillor Kevin Stewart, Township of Zorra 

• Mayor Mark Peterson (Blandford-Blenheim) 

• Councillor Matthew Gillespie (East-Zorra Tavistock) 

• Councillor Lynne DePlancke (Norwich) 

• Mayor David Mayberry (South-West Oxford) 

• Tony Hymers, O.P.P. representative 

• Tracy Litt, Community Appointee from Blandford-Blenheim 

• Provincial Representative — position not yet filled as of last update 

Meetings & Participation

• The Board meets bi-monthly, typically on the third Wednesday of each month (except for July and December), unless otherwise scheduled. 

• Meetings rotate among the municipalities in alphabetical order. 

• Delegations from the public are possible for regular meetings, provided notice is given in writing at least 5 days in advance. Presentations are limited in duration. 

Accountability & Oversight

• The Board has a procedural by-law and is bound by a code of conduct, as required under the Community Safety and Policing Act. 

• It receives reports from the O.P.P. detachment commander and monitors performance against objectives and priorities. 

• Public complaints about policing are handled by the Law Enforcement Complaints Agency (LECA) in Ontario.