Dave Cassels is a nationally recognized leader in Canadian
policing, public safety, and organizational reform, with over four decades of
distinguished service spanning policing, public safety, government, consulting,
and non-profit sectors. As President and Co-Founder of the Coalition for
Canadian Police Reform, Dave is at the forefront of advancing policing
excellence in Canada, championing professional training & education
standards and innovative practices through the creation of a National Centre of
Policing Excellence.
Dave’s executive leadership is rooted in his tenure as Chief
of Police for the Winnipeg Police Service, where he spearheaded significant
organizational renewal, implemented pioneering community policing initiatives,
and established collaborative partnerships with Indigenous communities and
civic leaders. Previously, as Deputy Chief of Police with the Edmonton Police
Service, he drove major reforms in diversity, equity, and inclusion, and led
the development of community-based policing models that have since become
national benchmarks.
Throughout his career, Dave has managed multi-million-dollar
budgets, overseen large-scale operations, and directed critical emergency
responses—including the Red River flood in Winnipeg, the Edmonton tornado
disaster and the Kelowna mountain’s fires. His expertise in governance
and organizational health has been sought by federal agencies such as Justice
Canada, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and the Canadian Air Transport
Security Authority, where he led complex investigations, operational reviews,
and strategic planning.
Internationally, Dave has contributed to police reform and
community safety in Southeast Europe and Central America, advising police
chiefs and developing community policing strategies. He is a published author
on policing best practices, frequent keynote speaker on emergency management
and organizational change, and a respected educator, having served as Principal
Instructor for Dalhousie University’s Advanced Police Leadership Program.
Dave’s professional involvement includes serving on the
Board of Directors for the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, membership
in the Law Commission of Canada Advisory Council, and leadership roles on
numerous national committees. He is also deeply committed to community service,
volunteering with organizations such as Canadian Executive Services Overseas
and local economic development and youth sports initiatives.
Dave Cassels’ legacy is defined by his unwavering commitment
to public service, ethical leadership, and the continuous improvement of
policing education standards in Canada.