December 15, 2023 – Peel Police Services Board has announced the extension of Chief Nishan Duraiappah’s contract until 2028. Since assuming the role in 2019, Chief Duraiappah has played a vital role in advancing the vision and mission of the Police Services Board and Peel Regional Police.
Under his leadership, Peel Regional Police achieved significant milestones, emphasizing community safety and well-being. Chief Duraiappah, who also served as the President of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, has been a key player in advancing policing initiatives across the province.
Police Services Board Chair Nando Iannicca expressed unwavering confidence in Chief Duraiappah’s ability to lead Peel Regional Police into the future. “His outstanding leadership and commitment to community safety are commendable,” stated Iannicca.
In response to the contract extension, Chief Duraiappah expressed gratitude, stating, “I am honored to continue working with the dedicated members of Peel Regional Police. Together, we aim to create the most progressive, innovative, and inclusive police service in Canada.”
A Legacy of Leadership: Chief Nishan Duraiappah’s Journey
Chief Nishan Duraiappah, born in Sri Lanka and an immigrant to Canada, began his policing career with Halton Regional Police in December 1995. He served in various capacities, including front-line policing, specialized investigations, and diversity and community relations.
In October 2019, Chief Duraiappah took on the role of Chief of Peel Regional Police, bringing with him a mandate for change and the strategic goal of making the force the most progressive in Canada.
During his first year, Chief Duraiappah implemented several initiatives, including:
- The creation of the first community-embedded Intimate and Partner Violence Unit.
- Reinforcement of front-line policing.
- Development of a road map for Innovation and Technology, with a Digital Officer Transformation plan.
- Adoption of the Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) framework, leading to the establishment of a CSWB Bureau.
Chief Duraiappah has been committed to community well-being, particularly in the realm of mental health. He has actively sought multi-sectoral collaborative partnerships to reduce risks in the community.
In November 2022, Chief Duraiappah received the prestigious Order of Ontario, adding to his list of honors, including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and being an Officer of the Order of Merit Canada.
A Pioneer in Community Safety and Well-Being
Chief Duraiappah’s leadership has transformed Peel Regional Police into the first service in Canada to implement its own Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Strategy. This strategy, guided by the Ontario CSWB framework, focuses on Incident Response, Risk Intervention, Prevention, and Social Development.
Key accomplishments under Chief Duraiappah include the launch of innovative non-traditional and non-police response teams:
- Mobile Community Crisis Rapid Response Team.
- Community Crisis Rapid Response Team.
- Embedded Community Crisis Rapid Response Team.
- Safe Centre Response Team.
Chief Duraiappah’s commitment to human rights is evident through the Human Rights Project initiated in collaboration with the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC). The project aims to examine and address discriminatory practices within the service.
Innovating for a Safer Community
Chief Duraiappah developed a roadmap for Innovation and Technology which included the fastest body-worn camera deployment in Canadian policing history. His leadership also extends to his role as President of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police and active membership in the Major City Chiefs Association (MCCA).
Apart from his policing duties, Chief Duraiappah is deeply involved in the community, serving on the Board of Directors for Runnymede Healthcare Centre and SAAAC Autism Centre. He also holds positions as a Senate member for the Lorne Scots Infantry Reserve Regiment and the Princess Louise’s Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Light Infantry Reserve Regiment.
As Chief Nishan Duraiappah continues his journey at the helm of Peel Regional Police, his commitment to innovation, community well-being, and safety stands as a testament to his leadership legacy. The extension of his contract reaffirms the community’s trust in his vision for a progressive and inclusive police service.
