Michael Burton
Retired Inspector - Ontario Provincial Police
Severn Township,Ontario
Summary
Motivated community-oriented police leader possessing extensive history of working with front-line policing teams as well as members of Indigenous communities and various municipalities. Utilize innovative and collaborative approaches to develop effective strategies and achieve goals. Priorities include commitment to safe communities, nurturing positive relationships and wellness within the policing team.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Language
Work History
Detachment Commander (Inspector)
Ontario Provincial Police
10.2018 - 02.2022
- Utilizing vast experience, leadership and management skills, led 65 members at general duties detachment that provided professional and community-focused policing to four municipalities and two First Nations communities.
- Developed strong partnerships and cooperative culture with municipal and First Nations leaders/administrations as well as numerous community agencies, committees and institutions. Consistently consulted and included community leaders and partners while preparing annual Strategic Plans, Operational Plans as well as various policies and protocols. Emphasized community presence and relationships as priorities for detachment members during the performance of duties.
- Utilized Incident Commander skills during significant events, including communities' response to extensive flooding in 2019. Accessed resources within and external to the OPP that enhanced responses to damage and threats posed by rising waters.
- Regularly briefed superior officers and community leaders of detachment activities while maintaining transparency regarding current status and future objectives.
- Oversaw budgeting processes and allocated resources effectively to maximize success and achieve detachment goals. Utilized business planning and financial management skills to determine and obtain essential staff and equipment. Professionally advocated for resources as required.
- Committed to accessing government funds and resources available to enhance detachment programs and practices, including submission of an extensive application resulting in significant provincial funding obtained for installation of cameras in community areas experiencing increasing crime and violence related to guns, gangs and organized crime.
- Developed protocols with community leaders and agencies for cooperative efforts to achieve shared goals, including spearheading collaborative strategy for police and mental health professionals to conduct proactive patrols in community areas experiencing high rates of illicit drug use and deaths related to drug overdoses. This innovative program included provision of Naloxone kits and educating community members on its use, resulting in lives being saved and increasing positive relationships between community members, mental health professionals and police.
- Served as OPP Respectful Workplace Program liaison, investigated alleged Respectful Workplace policy breaches by OPP members.
- Served as liaison officer for incidents involving OPP officers that required involvement of the Ontario Special Investigations Unit (SIU). Ensured involved officers' needs and health were addressed as well as individual and organizational compliance with applicable legislation and protocols.
- Streamlined operational procedures for increased efficiency in daily operations and resource management.
- Created strong culture of accountability, pride and community within detachment. Utilized various tools to increase morale, including recognition of performance through formal and informal awards as well as prioritizing development of members.
- Championed mental health support for officers, ensured appropriate resources were available to members, particularly after critical incidents and other stressful situations.
- Promoted physical fitness programs boosting physical and mental health as well as overall morale throughout detachment.
- Prioritized relationships with police veterans and families in detachment area. Involved veterans and families in various events, including annual Detachment Veterans Day.
- Managed personnel actions such as promotions and disciplinary measures, ensuring fairness and consistency throughout detachment.
- Implemented risk management strategies to minimize potential workplace hazards.
- Streamlined operational procedures for increased efficiency in daily operations and resource management.
- Ensured members received regular performance evaluations and feedback that included meaningful and constructive information for professional growth and development.
Detachment Operations Manager (Staff Sergeant)
Ontario Provincial Police
12.2013 - 10.2018
- As part of Detachment Management Team, performed many Detachment Commander duties (see previous section).
- Developed strong relationships with detachment Sergeant's that resulted in consistent priorities, work ethic, practices and commitment to detachment goals within the leadership team.
- Empowered employees to take ownership of responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
- Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.
- Developed strong relationships with key institutions and agencies in detachment areas, (i.e. Georgian Bay General Hospital, Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, Central North Correctional Centre) that resulted in collaborative development of protocols that increased efficiencies and decreased conflicts between institutional staff and detachment members.
- Managed budgets effectively, consistently delivering projects on-time and within financial constraints.
Team Leader (Shift Sergeant)
Ontario Provincial Police
05.2006 - 12.2013
- Responded effectively to high-priority incidents, demonstrating leadership under pressure and minimizing risks to public safety. Such incidents included an officer-involved shooting occurrence resulting in a civilian death.
- Facilitated critical incident debriefings, promoting mental health support for members involved in stressful situations.
- Maintained officer morale through open communication channels, consistently addressing concerns or suggestions from team members.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations, identifying areas for improvement and providing constructive feedback.
- Addressed personnel issues promptly and fairly, resolving conflicts within the team while upholding organizational standards.
- Improved incident documentation accuracy through thorough report reviews and feedback to officers.
- Supervised daily activities of patrol officers, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and adherence to departmental procedures.
- Mentored junior officers in proper policing techniques, contributing to their professional growth and career development.
- Evaluated ongoing training needs for officers, ensuring continued professional development and improved skillsets.
- Increased community engagement by initiating outreach programs that fostered strong relationships between law enforcement and residents.
Provincial Constable - Detachment
Ontario Provincial Police
04.1995 - 05.2006
- Performed duties of numerous detachment constable positions, including front-line officer, court officer, community services officer, marine officer, property vault officer, recruit field training (coach) officer for five recruit officers, Second-in-Command (2IC) of platoon and participated in major criminal investigations during illegal gaming project.
Professor - Part-Time
Algonquin College - Police Foundations Program
09.2001 - 06.2005
- Developed an organized and relevant curriculum, instructed students utilizing various adult learning methods and approaches that incorporated real-world examples and case studies.
- Improved student retention rates through innovative and energetic approaches, proactive communication and support.
- Prepared and evaluated examinations and assignments, consistently met deadlines for submission of student assessments and progress reports.
Hockey Official
Hockey Canada, National Hockey League
09.1983 - 05.1996
- Officiated hockey games utilizing judgment and teamwork skills, leveraged excellent communication skills to develop positive relationships with coaches, players and other stakeholder and effectively addressed questions or concerns from coaches, players, and other stakeholders.
- Developed strong rapport with coaching staff and team officials, fostering open communication and trust in officiating decisions.
- Employed as trainee referee by National Hockey League in 1992-93. Refereed hockey games in American Hockey League, International Hockey League, East Coast Hockey League and Canadian junior hockey leagues.
- Demonstrated adaptability when faced with unexpected or logistical challenges during games or tournaments.
- Assisted in planning and providing training sessions for newer officials, served as Director of Supervision for two years, provided guidance on best practices for officiating hockey games and development of officiating skills.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Law And Sociology, Concentration in Criminology
Carleton University
Ottawa ON 09.1987 - 07.1990
Skills
Innovation and Creativity
Leadership, Commitment and Integrity
Political Acuity
Financial Management and Quality Assurance Controls
Personnel Management
Timeline
Detachment Commander (Inspector)
Ontario Provincial Police
10.2018 - 02.2022
Detachment Operations Manager (Staff Sergeant)
Ontario Provincial Police
12.2013 - 10.2018
Team Leader (Shift Sergeant)
Ontario Provincial Police
05.2006 - 12.2013
Professor - Part-Time
Algonquin College - Police Foundations Program
09.2001 - 06.2005
Provincial Constable - Detachment
Ontario Provincial Police
04.1995 - 05.2006
Bachelor of Arts - Law And Sociology, Concentration in Criminology
Carleton University
09.1987 - 07.1990
Hockey Official
Hockey Canada, National Hockey League
09.1983 - 05.1996