OUR HISTORY
THE COBOURG POLICE SERVICE
The Cobourg Police Service is a local service that patrols a service area containing the Municipality of Cobourg: a total population of 19,440. The 34 uniformed officers are supported by 70 civilian staff.
The service is directed by Chief Paul VandeGraaf and supported by numerous senior uniform and civilian staff members throughout the organization. Operationally, the service uses a platoon system to cover the area consistently and effectively, with four platoons.
Specialized services are provided under a service agreement with the Ontario Provincial Police Service. A very highly organized and effective Volunteer group provide auxiliary support and is a valuable and integral part of the service. As well, the Town is well represented by Auxiliary Police members and our newly hired youths through the Youth in Policing Initiative.
A local Police Services Board provides civilian governance and policy direction. The Board operates under legislation and directives from the Provincial Ministry of the Solicitor General. It has met all of the Provincial Adequacy standards and is a professional and complete Police Service meeting all of the Cobourg area’s policing needs.
Cobourg was once a “Police Village” and the heritage of policing, being the number one priority for the citizens, of Ontario’s Feel Good Town hasn’t changed since. The original Board of Police was instituted in 1834 and this Board was incorporated as the Town of Cobourg in 1837. Law enforcement in the early years was entrusted to a High Constable, appointed by the district magistrates, who could recruit deputies as a particular need arose. By 1898, the Chief of Police and the Fire Chief, Mr. John C. Ruse, made his office in the west wing of Victoria Hall. The current Cobourg Police Service building was originally known as “The Armouries” building. It was purchased by the Town of Cobourg and turned into the town police station in 1971.
Chief |
Tenure |
| Edwin Cooney | 1860 – 1872 |
| William Rankin | 1872 – 1898 |
| John C Ruse | 1898 – 1936 |
| William J Carey | 1936 – 1950 |
| Harold Pearce | 1950 – 1970 |
| Eugene Butler | 1970 – 1982 |
| Daniel K McDougal | 1982 – 1996 |
| John Kay | 1996 – 2002 |
| Kyle Foster (Acting) | 2002 – 2003 |
| Garry W Clement | 2003 – 2007 |
| Paul Sweet | 2007 – 2012 |
| Kai Liu | 2012 – 2019 |
| Paul VandeGraaf | 2019 – Present |
OUR VISION
An adaptive and trusted community partner in protecting the safety, security and quality of life in the Town of Cobourg.
We strive to ensure that our approach to policing, and the services we provide, reflect the community’s needs. Because these needs can shift as the community and criminality evolves, we consistently adapt our policing methods. As public safety becomes more complex and requiring a multi-disciplinary approach, we strive to be a trusted community partner among peers with a shared goal of protecting the safety, security and quality of Iife in our Town.
OUR MISSION
With our mandate to ensure the public safety in the Town of Cobourg, we are committed to our mission of service excellence. This can only be achieved through our civilian and sworn members, our public safety partners and the engagement of our community.
OUR VALUES
Community, Professionalism, and quality Service are the fundamental values that drive our actions.
Community – engaging our citizens and investing in our partnerships for a safer community
Professionalism – serving our community guided by our ethical principles of leadership, integrity and fairness while being accountable for our actions
Service – committed to quality policing services that are responsive to community needs and fiscally responsible
Get In Touch
(905) 372-6821
info@cobourgpolice.com
107 King Street West, Cobourg, ON K9A 2M4
Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday - Closed
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Here to Serve and Protect our Community
The Cobourg Police Service has a rich heritage in serving the town as well as policing from one of the most historic buildings in Cobourg. The Cobourg Police Service is a local service that patrols a service area containing the Municipality of Cobourg.