Dan Potvin
Retired - Superintendent
Summary
I have recently retired after 29 years with the Windsor Police Service. During my career, I was fortunate enough to be assigned to numerous investigative and administrative units, at various ranks. Regardless of my varied assignments, I always remained true to my core values. I strived to treat members of our community and the Service with respect and dignity. This consistent commitment to the treatment of others, allowed me to develop solid respectful relationships with community members, external partners and those that I worked with every day. These genuine relationships, coupled with my approachable nature and experience, allowed me to become a mentor to many colleagues, which ultimately, was my biggest accomplishment.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Superintendent
Windsor Police Service
Windsor, Ontario
01.2020 - 04.2024
- Patrol Response: Managed 250 sworn patrol officers and supervised the Emergency Services Unit, Marine Unit, K9 Unit, Courts, Traffic Enforcement Unit and the Detention Unit.
- Administrative Support Services: Managed the Professional Standards Branch, Training Branch and Community Services.
- Investigation Services: Managed the DIGS Unit, Major Crime Branch, Forensic Identification Unit, Target Base, Financial Crimes Unit, Criminal Intelligence Unit, and all Joint Forces Operations.
- Critical Incident Commander for all serious high risk calls for service. Also required to review all Operational Plans for high risk vehicle stops/warrant execution.
Inspector
Windsor Police Service
Windsor, Ontario
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Assigned as the Executive Officer to the Chief’s Office where I was required to attend events/meetings on the Chief’s behalf to ensure consistent messaging at these various functions. I routinely arranged high-level meetings involving the WPS Senior Leadership Team on a variety of subjects/issues and ensured that the Chief was briefed appropriately prior to each meeting or afterwards, if I had to convene the meeting in her absence.
- Managed the Corporate Communications Unit. I was responsible for vetting and authorizing key messaging posted on behalf of the WPS.
Staff Sergeant
Windsor Police Service
Windsor, Ontario
01.2016 - 12.2018
- Patrol Division: Supervised a platoon of approximately 40 officers.
- I have also participated in the preparation and procurement of several grant applications. I supervised the Special Projects Unit that managed a costly CCTV improvement to our own building while being involved in the implementation of a new cloud based evidence management solution for the entire Service. Lastly, I facilitated a close working relationship with City of Windsor personnel in an attempt to implement new WorkForce human resource management software for the entire Service.
- Criminal Intelligence Unit: Supervised seconded Windsor officers assigned to several Joint Force Operations across the Province. I have overseen the investigations of several highly confidential and high profile investigations including sensitive internal investigations. I have also been closely involved with the OPP Witness Protection Unit in regards to serious local investigations. I was responsible for managing the Confidential Informant fund and ensuring annual fiscal responsibility and transparency. I have conducted and/or vetted media releases including a high-level local drug investigation. I was involved in the development of local policy and procedures relating to the new Collection of Identifying Information in Certain Circumstances legislation (i.e. Street Checks).
Sergeant
Windsor Police Service
Windsor, Ontario
01.2014 - 12.2015
- Was assigned to the Professional Standards Branch and investigated internal and external copmplaints regarding Windsor police personnel. Worked closely with OIPRD and was involved in high profile Criminal Code/PSA investigations involving sworn personnel.
Constable
Windsor Police Service
Windsor, Ontario
05.1995 - 01.2014
- Assigned to Casino Directed Patrol, Patrol, Drug Enforcement Branch, Biker Enforcement Unit (OPP JFO) and Source Handling Unit.
Education
Critical Incident Commander Course
Ontario Provincial Police - GHQ
Orillia01-2019
Bachelor of Science - Architecture And Design
Lawrence Technological University
Southfield, Michigan06-1994
Skills
- Project Management
- Organizational effectiveness
- Key decision making
- Professional Judgment
- Risk Mitigation
- Public Accountability
Committees
- John Howard Society
- Windsor Regional Hospital COVID Vaccination Working Group (Security Consultant)
- DEMS Steering Committee
- OACP - Intelligence and Organized Crime Committee
- IBET - JMT Executive Board (Michigan and Canadian Law Enforcement)
- Hate Crime and Extremism Investigative Team (HCEIT)
- Ontario Executives Intelligence Forum
Timeline
Superintendent
Windsor Police Service
01.2020 - 04.2024
Inspector
Windsor Police Service
01.2019 - 01.2020
Staff Sergeant
Windsor Police Service
01.2016 - 12.2018
Sergeant
Windsor Police Service
01.2014 - 12.2015
Constable
Windsor Police Service
05.1995 - 01.2014
Critical Incident Commander Course
Ontario Provincial Police - GHQ
Bachelor of Science - Architecture And Design
Lawrence Technological University
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