Robin Richards

With a span of control of 565 active members:

• maximize the performance of Court Operations by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members
• achieve Service goals by developing and executing strategic plans and analyzing performance metrics
• maintain positive stakeholder relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions
• assist in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence

As the Officer in Charge of the Special Constable Training Section:

• manage a team of 11 instructors and 1 supervisor - facilitating recruit training and in-service requalification sessions for upwards of 800 members, while maintaining strict adherence to Service policies and newly legislated regulations associated with the Community Safety and Policing Act (2019)
• assist in the management of human resources functions, including the interviewing, hiring and onboarding of Special Constable recruits
• maintain personnel records and updated internal databases to support document management
• organize workflow and delegate tasks effectively to ensure timely project completion without compromising quality
• supervise section instructors, offering guidance, feedback, and mentorship that contributed to their professional growth and development
• serve as a liaison between internal and external departments, fostering open communication channels that improved overall organizational function
• improve team productivity with introduction of shared online calendar for tracking assignments, leave and appointments
• evaluate staff performance and provided coaching to address inefficiencies
• maintain overall safe work environment with employee training programs and enforcement of safety procedures
• conduct regular reviews of operations and identified areas for improvement

Committed to the advancement of all areas of police drill and ceremonial duties, the Officer Commanding manages the day to day operations of the Chief's Ceremonial Unit while:

• maintaining strict adherence to Service regulations, the Canadian Forces Manual for Drill and Ceremonial and protocols set out by the Department of Canadian Heritage
• averaging 150 events per year - providing internal and external stakeholders with ceremonial and protocol driven event support, often when challenged by significant time constraints
• coordinating cross-functional teams to address complex tasks, both internally and externally, when managing large events such as police funerals, parades and memorials
• delivering high-quality training programs to refine member skill sets, fostering a culture of continuous improvement
• providing mentorship, guidance and support to junior members to promote professional development
• improving team morale and performance with consistent recognition of achievements, facilitating social events and Unit travel

Provided planning assistance and highly specialized training to service members tasked with conducting police related funerals and memorials in support of:

• Canadian Police and Peace Officer's Memorial Parade and Service - January 1995 to current
• Ontario Police Memorial Foundation Service of Remembrance - May 1999 to current
• Ontario Provincial Police - Huron-Perth - May 2023
• Ontario Provincial Police - Russell County - May 2023
• Toronto Police Service – 1998, 2002, 2011, 2013, 2021 & 2022
• Ontario Provincial Police - Haldimand County - December 2022
• South Simcoe Police Service - October 2022
• Guelph Police Service - March 2013
• Windsor Police Service - May 2006
• Sudbury Police Service – July 1999
• Waterloo Regional Police Service – August 1998

As Officer in Charge of Security Operations at the Superior Court of Justice (Toronto) Criminal, Civil and Family Divisions:

• managed a team of 86 Special Constables, Supervisors, Shift Supervisors and administrative support staff members, providing court security, judicial protection, prisoner management and transportation operations to four (4) court locations in the City of Toronto - 361/330/393 University Ave., 130 Queen St. W and 311 Jarvis St.
• provided exceptional customer service to both internal and external stakeholders through prompt response times and thorough issue resolution efforts
• provided support to the Ministry of the Attorney General when addressing technological, building and security infrastructure challenges
• organized and executed quarterly stakeholder meetings to keep clients informed on latest security related events, responses and results
• organized both ceremonial and security responses to Law Society, Judiciary and Ministry related events
• enhanced internal communication by creating a centralized information hub accessible to all staff members
• conducted annual member evaluations, offering guidance, feedback and mentorship, contributing to member growth and development
• maintained personnel records and updated internal databases to support document management

As Officer in Charge of Security Operations at the Superior Court of Justice (Toronto) Criminal, Civil and Family Divisions:

• managed a team of Special Constables, Supervisors, Shift Supervisors and administrative support staff members, providing court security, judicial protection, prisoner management and transportation operations to four (4) court locations in the City of Toronto - 361/330/393 University Ave., 130 Queen St. W and 311 Jarvis St.
• provided exceptional customer service to both internal and external stakeholders through prompt response times and thorough issue resolution efforts
• provided support to the Ministry of the Attorney General when addressing technological, building and security infrastructure challenges
• organized and executed quarterly stakeholder meetings to keep clients informed on latest security related events, responses and results
• organized both ceremonial and security responses to Law Society, Judiciary and Ministry related events
• enhanced internal communication by creating a centralized information hub accessible to all staff members
• conducted annual member evaluations, offering guidance, feedback and mentorship, contributing to member growth and development
• maintained personnel records and updated internal databases to support document management

Oversaw daily operations at Toronto East Courts, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks.

• Conducted performance evaluations for staff members, identifying areas of improvement and guiding professional development plans.
• Mentored junior staff members in their career development, sharing knowledge from years of experience in the field.
• Identified operational inefficiencies and implemented corrective measures to increase effectiveness.

Responsible for the safety, welfare and performance of up to 130 Special Constables - oversaw daily prisoner management, court security and justice administration operations in the busiest courthouse in Canada (Old City Hall), Toronto East Courts (Scarborough) and Toronto North Court (North York) with an average daily intake of up to 110 adult and young offender prisoners, of all genders, ensuring their appearance before:

• Criminal Courts (Provincial)
• Criminal Courts (Federal)
• Drug Treatment Court
• Mental Health Diversion Court
• Young Offender (YCJA) Court
• Gladue (Indigenous) Diversion Court
• Family Violence Court

• provided recruit training to five (5) classes of Court Officers, with a focus on Rules and Regulations, deportment and drill instruction.

Provided Court Security, Prisoner Booking, Management and Transport while assigned to:

• Superior Court of Justice - 361 University (1993)
• Toronto West Courts - 80 The East Mall (1994)
• College Park Courts - 444 Yonge St. (1994)
• Prisoner Transportation Section (1995)

• Managed sensitive documents for accurate record-keeping, contributing to a more organized legal system.
• Reduced instances of courtroom disruptions by implementing and enforcing strict decorum policies.
• Increased courtroom safety with thorough searches of individuals entering the premises, confiscating prohibited items as necessary.
• Supported vulnerable witnesses throughout their court experience.
• Conducted prisoner transportation between holding facilities and courts while maintaining strict security protocols throughout each transfer process.

Provided exceptional delivery / set-up of goods and on-site support during such events as:

• Molson Indy - CNE Grounds
• Player's International Tennis Challenge - York University
• The Queen's Plate - Woodbine Racetrack
• The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair - CNE Grounds
• Coordinated efficient set-up and clean-up for each event for quick facilities turnarounds.
• Coordinated schedules and timelines for events.
• Delivered goods and products to customer on time and in excellent condition.
• Cleaned and maintained vehicle and assessed vehicle for damage after each shift.
• Improved customer satisfaction by maintaining punctuality and adhering to strict delivery schedules.
• Followed proper safety procedures and protocols while loading, unloading and operating "D" Class vehicles
• Demonstrated strong knowledge of geography and local roads for optimal route selection.
• Completed routine pre- and post-trip inspections to evaluate vehicles and assess maintenance needs.
• Coordinated efficient routes to avoid delays and optimize schedules.
• Provided exceptional customer service, addressing concerns and resolving issues promptly.
• Managed customer accounts and invoicing.
• Achieved safe driving records by consistently following traffic rules and regulations.

• prevented unauthorized access to facilities by enforcing strict entry protocols and verifying identification
• maintained a safe environment for employees and visitors through continuous risk assessment and threat analysis
• reported suspicious activities and persons to law enforcement
• monitored and authorized entrance and departure of vehicles, cargo trucks, and visitors
• improved overall security by conducting regular patrols and monitoring surveillance systems
• assisted in the management of quality control by monitoring refrigerated truck cooling levels for dairy distribution operation
• wrote detailed reports on property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons and unusual incidences