Mark Saunders, Police Foundations Leadership, 2008 Graduate

As Chief of Police of the largest municipal police service in Canada, Mark credits some of his success to choosing Humber.

In April 2015, after 32 years with the Toronto Police Service (TPS), Mark Saunders was appointed Chief of Police, making history as the first black officer to lead the largest municipal police service in Canada. He is the second black leader to head a police service anywhere in Canada.

Over his career, Saunders has seized every opportunity to expand his professional skills. While advancing his career with the TPS, he recognized the need to pursue a postsecondary education to develop an academic foundation and enrolled in Humber’s Police Foundations Leadership Program. After completing a follow-up degree in Justice Studies at the University of Guelph-Humber, he acknowledges that his education has enabled his to see criminal justice and policing in a broader context.

Saunders is known for his passion for policing and his personal commitment to provide fair and impartial policing services. He has received several awards for his work including the Harry Jerome Award for Public Service, the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee medal and the Police Exemplary Service medal. He is also an officer of the Order of merit of the Police Forces.