The past year has been a year of change for the CPRC.
In November 2003, the Executive Board of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) endorsed the transition of the Canadian Police Research Centre (CPRC) into a self-sustaining organization, located at the National Research Council of Canada. Following this decision, the CPRC established a new advisory board; confirmed the vision, mission and values of the organization; and obtained the necessary resources to run the organization and strengthen the foundation for "your CPRC".
The CPRC has been instrumental in helping Canada build a distinguished record of increasing public safety through science and technology, across Canada and abroad. From geographic profiling, to cutting edge forensic analysis tools, to protecting children from predators, the CPRC and its partners have added a new dimension to preventing and addressing criminal acts - the CPRC is truly "making a difference".
Such achievements are born from on-going cooperation, dedication, and innovation. As the CPRC enters its 25th year, it remains committed to this formula for success, while endeavouring to widen its scope and influence.
Since 1979, the CPRC has supported research and development relevant to the demands of law enforcement. Under the new governance structure, identifying common needs, developing solutions, and evaluating technologies in an operational environment will remain our primary goals. The work of the CPRC will remain focused on three priority themes: increasing first responder safety, improving forensic techniques, and establishing technology standards.
The demands of law enforcement have, however, changed dramatically in this post-September 11th, 2001 world. It is no longer sufficient to simply perform research and development in isolation. Innovation requires integrating research and development with a wide variety of partners, including industry, so that new ideas can be commercialized - and operationalized - in a state-of-the-art, cost-effective way.
The CPRC can be proud of its strong relationships - both nationally and internationally - that enable collaboration across jurisdictions, within organizations, and in co-operation with industry. The CPRC draws strength from the strong partnership between the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, and the National Research Council. The CPRC also depends on on-going collaboration with over 270 organizations, which includes police and other professionals, researchers, and industry. Such co-operation allows the CPRC to disseminate technologies and policing practices on a trusted basis with all key players.
Over the past few months, I have met with many chiefs to discuss the CPRC. I am impressed by the strong support they demonstrate, for both the work CPRC performs now, and the need for a strong CPRC in the future. The advisory board, partners, and staff of the CPRC will be working in 2004 - 2005 to strengthen the organization so that it can continue meeting the needs of policing in the future.
I am confident that the long track record of CPRC achievements, spanning a quarter of a century, will inspire you with the same enthusiasm I feel as I look to the CPRC's future.
Please accept my invitation to come and discover "your Canadian Police Research Centre".
