Chief of Police Doug Palson dedicates his career in police leadership to advancing Indigenous-led, community-based policing. First, as Chief with the Dakota Ojibway Police Service for seven years and, now, as Chief with the Manitoba First Nations Police Service, Chief Palson’s trust leadership approach is responsive to individual and community needs, and guided by the 7 teachings.

Doug began his career with the Brandon Police Service. Here, Doug’s work in the community was recognized and he advanced in rank to become a strong, contributing member of the BPS senior leadership team. Doug also brings experience from outside of Manitoba having worked in Ontario for six years as Chief of Police with the Dryden Police Service.

Chief Palson holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Manitoba and a Master’s in Educational Administration from Brandon University.

Chief Palson is the recipient of numerous awards most notably the Child Find Recognition Award, the Manitoba Excellence in Law Enforcement Award, and the Governor General’s Officer Order of Merit Award (OOM).

A member of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP), Doug has worked with several CACP committees. He is a past Chair of the Policing with First Nations, Metis & Inuit Peoples Committee, and has held executive level positions with the First Nations Chiefs of Police Association (FNCPA). He remains an active member with the Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police (MACP), CACP and FNCPA.