Evaluation of the Canadian Police College summary

Context

The Canadian Police College (CPC) generates and delivers advanced and specialized training and leadership development to police officers from all jurisdictions across Canada, as well as international policing partners. Training is provided at various locations, including the CPC's two primary campuses (located in Ottawa, Ontario and Chilliwack, British Columbia), and onsite at other agencies both nationally and internationally. The CPC offers over 50 advanced and specialized courses and workshops in the following disciplines:

• investigative techniques
• technological crime
• forensic identification
• explosives training
• leadership development
• Indigenous policing

What we examined

The evaluation assessed the relevance and performance of the CPC, and was guided by four questions:

• To what extent is there a continued need for the CPC?
• To what extend is the CPC achieving its objectives?
• To what extent is the CPC designed to enable effective program delivery?
• To what extent is the CPC operating in an efficient manner?

How we developed findings and recommendations:

• Survey of participants (response rate 20%) and of training coordinators (response rate 38%)
• 22 interviews
• Document review
• Data Analysis
• Comparison to other police training academies

What we found

1. The CPC continues to provide advanced and specialized training to fulfill the ongoing needs of the law enforcement community
2. CPC training increases the knowledge and skills of participants, which enhances the overall capacity of law enforcement
3. Overall, the CPC's mandate, roles and responsibilities are clearly defined and understood; however, a lack of clearly communicated responsibilities in some areas presents challenges
4. Challenges associated with governance may inhibit the CPC's effectiveness and efficiency as a learning institution
5. To some extent, the CPC has incorporated gender-based analysis plus and official languages considerations into program design and delivery
6. CPC may be unable to meet increased demand for training or develop new courses going forward
7. CPC infrastructure and resources present a significant challenge to program effectiveness and efficiency
8. The CPC is currently undertaking several measures in an effort to increase efficiency

Recommendations

1. Examine the governance of the CPC with a view to enhancing effectiveness and efficiency
2. In consultation with key stakeholders, determine an approach for addressing challenges associated with aging infrastructure and evergreening of equipment
3. Establish, track, and report on performance information that adequately measures CPC's expected results and supports decision-making
4. Determine and implement an effective and efficient management structure for the Explosives Training Unit

Date modified:

2021-10-13