Features
Exploring the highlights: OACP & Blue Line Expo 2024

On March 26^th, the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre buzzed with activity as Blue Line and the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) united to host the OACP & Blue Line Expo, drawing a crowd of over 140 attendees. This marks the third consecutive year of our successful collaboration.

The expo boasted a diverse array of over 60 vendors showcasing cutting-edge technology, services and products spanning the law enforcement, corrections and security sectors. Attendees had the opportunity to explore everything from apparel and footwear to virtual reality training systems, law enforcement vehicles, drones, surveillance systems, police firearms, tactical equipment and custom graphics for clothing and vehicles.

The event garnered sponsorship from esteemed names in the industry, including Triton Police Innovations, GeoWarehouse, Wilfrid Laurier University, GardaWorld, Commissionaires, DAVTECH, and Trimtag Trading Inc.

In addition to the exhibition, visitors were treated to engaging conference sessions featuring a special keynote address and an awards ceremony held throughout the day.

Keynote address: Bryan Larkin, RCMP Deputy Commissioner, Specialized Policing Services

This year’s special keynote address was delivered by Bryan Larkin, RCMP Deputy Commissioner, Specialized Policing Services. In his speech, he touched on what he has seen over his many years in policing, from his time on the front lines to his time in leadership roles. He encouraged all in attendance to think back to their first day on the job and to do it frequently.

He also challenged police leadership to strive for cohesion. “Our communities and neighbourhoods have never been so divided. Within our own police services, we have division. Our role as leaders is to unify. Our role is to connect people, be peacekeepers, and we are often acting as the neutral party that can bring differing opinions together to make a stronger community. As we look to the future, looking at bringing that unity, let’s start the conversation within our own profession because we’re stronger as a united service,” he shared.

He also thanked Blue Line and the OACP for the work being done for Canada’s police officers. Before and after his session, Deputy Commissioner Larkin visited many booths on the expo floor and connected with exhibitors.

Rookie of the Year award presentation

The Blue Line Rookie of the Year award celebrates emerging officers who exemplify excellence in modern policing, influencing their peers, agencies and communities positively.

At this year’s OACP & Blue Line Expo, Cst. Veronica Fast of the Hamilton Police Service was honoured with this prestigious award.

Congratulations to Cst. Fast on this well-deserved recognition!

Editor’s note: A special thank you to all our attendees, sponsors, exhibitors and presenters at this year’s conference and expo. Remember to check out the hashtag #OACPBLExpo for more photos of the event. We can’t wait to see you again in 2025!

Take a look at photo’s from this year’s expo: