General Counsel

Responsible for the provision of senior-level advice and counsel relating to all aspects of law for the Chief of Police, managing multiple related projects/business cases and navigating complex activities that span across the Police Service to align with organizational goals and vision. Including protecting and advancing the legal interests of the entire Service, in all aspects of law, through the addressing of legal concerns centring on those matters of fundamental significance and ensuring the Chief’s vision and strategies are transformed into action by coordinating and providing support on the development and execution of program and project objectives and deliverables.

**Providing independent legal support and advice**
- Identify the most critical current and emerging criminal and corporate legal issues facing the Durham Regional Police Service. Ensure they are effectively communicated to the Chief of Police, Senior Officers, and the Police Services Board to support organizational strategies and responses to issues and incidents.
- Establish and maintain liaisons with the Attorney General & Solicitor General, Regional Municipality of Durham's Legal Department, Provincial and Federal Crown Attorneys Offices, all levels of Courts and Tribunals, legislative bodies/committees, Bar Associations, law enforcement agencies and any other agencies as required from time to time to represent the office of the Board and the Chief of Police concerning issues and matter that might affect the Service with awareness for overall Service philosophy and objectives.
- Enhance and safeguard the Board and Service's interests and reputation with all its Government Committees and the public by effectively representing and advocating for the DRPS complex, high profile and sensitive cases/issues before commissions, inquests, hearings, tribunals, and courts.
- Establish and follow up for implementation policies, plans, practices, and programs of legal controls within the Service to assure compliance with the letter and spirit of the law and protect the Service and management from legal liability.
- Represent the Service, as directed on behalf of the Chief / Board, at Commission hearings/inquests, tribunals or court, etc.; maintain ongoing liaison with the Attorney General for the Service's position on legislation interpretation and enforcement; liaise with the Ontario Court of Justice, Court Services, Ministry of the Solicitor General-Policing, Coroner's Office and forensic services, Crown Attorney's Office and Crown Law Office, as necessary.
- Prosecutes offences under the Police Services Act on behalf of the Durham Regional Police Service; ensures compliance with the defendant's rights through such tasks as providing full disclosure and fair prosecution practices; prepares and argues appeals, factums and research of case law, written and oral arguments on behalf of DRPS; advises on and provides recommendations on internal disciplinary actions, remedial action and changes in policies and practices when requested.
- Oversees the preparation of defence briefs in matters naming the Durham Regional Police Service and ensures timely communication and instruction.
- Identify best practices and implement initiatives directed toward effectiveness and efficiency for the Section, having regard for overall Service philosophy and objectives.
- Ensure that Section personnel are aware of General Orders and have familiarity with and are adhering to DRPS policies, procedures, adequacy standards and the operational protocols of the Section.
- Develop procedures dealing with Crown screening, vetting and disclosure to reduce the number of criminal cases going to trial and reducing court-related costs to the Board and Service.
- Provide day-to-day expert legal advice to all levels of the DRPS for matters relevant to the powers and duties, the conduct of its businesses, and its relationships with others.
- Performs other related legal duties and services as required and delegated by the Chief of Police.

**Providing Strategic Guidance and Support**
- Provide expert advice to facilitate executive decision-making.
- Establish professional networks and keep abreast of industry and political trends to ensure awareness of changes that may affect the direction of the projects and policies.
- Support the Chief of Police in crisis management situations.
- Support the Chief of Police in public and stakeholder meetings and various government-related activities.
- Ensure that internal and external communications are aligned with the Chief’s vision and priorities.
- Establish and maintain strong and effective stakeholder relationships at all levels of the organization.
- Liaise with Executive Management and Senior Management, management and operational staff to ensure alignment between the Chief's priorities and strategic direction and execution.
- Build and maintain effective business relationships and facilitate dialogue with senior management/executive m