Paul Pedersen Sudbury's new police chief

Pedersen brings to Sudbury more than 34 years of police experience. He has served in progressively senior leadership positions with York Regional Police Service, including Investigative Services and Community Services, and is well known for his contribution to police education.

“Paul stood out in the competition as a strong leader, futuristic thinker, and a person who can work with diverse groups,” said police board chair Gerry Lougheed Jr., in a press release.

“He is totally committed to community engagement and looks forward to working with the Greater Sudbury Police Service. The board was unanimous in its decision to appoint Paul as our new chief. We are all very much looking forward to having him join our team.”

Pedersen’s leadership experience covers all aspects of policing, including responsibilities for frontline operations and investigative services and is supported by a strong academic background.

He holds a Master of Public Administration from Western University along with a Diploma in Adult Education from St. Francis Xavier University.

He is also a graduate of the Rotman School of Management Police Leadership Program, University of Toronto, and was a participant in the Police Executive Forum taught by Harvard University professors.

In 2009, he attended the National Policing Improvement Agency in Bramshill, England where his academic research included community policing and a strategic review of policing.

He holds the Certified Municipal Manager Police Executive Level 3 Designation and an Executive Diploma in Management Level 7 through the Chartered Management Institute.

He is the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal and holds awards from the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics and the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police.

Pedersen is well known for his contributions to many activities and organizations such as the Special Olympics Summer Games, Youth Challenge International, YMCA Strong Kids Program, Iron Cops for Cancer, Soup Kitchen, and as a soccer club coach.

He has authored papers in the area of domestic violence, community policing, the Youth Criminal Justice Act, youth violence, children’s mental health, intelligence led policing, and citizen involvement in Municipal police services to name a few.

Pedersenis a proponent for change and innovation. He is a strong advocate for community policing and described Sudbury’s new policing model, also known as “The Nickel,” as a full circle approach to community safety and well-being.

“It embraces all of the elements needed to build community safety and well-being through collaborative operationalized risk-focused strategies all based on the Service’s vision, mission, and values.”

“For me, enforcement is at the core of policing and we must enforce laws and hold offenders accountable,” he said.

“I also firmly believe that policing is not just about enforcement alone, it also encompasses prevention and intervention as a shared responsibility with our community. My passion is to build and maintain strong bonds and consensus with the Board, the Service, and the citizens of Sudbury”.

Pedersen is no stranger to Northern Ontario, having vacationed for years in Killarney Provincial Park, with much time spent in Sudbury.

“My heart has always been in the north and I am thrilled to make this city my home,” he said. “I look forward to leading Sudbury as your Chief of Police”.

Pedersen is married to wife Diane and has two adult daughters. He is a passionate triathlete and an avid runner.