Cornwall, ON – The Chair of the Cornwall Police Services Board, Glen Grant, is pleased to announce the appointment of Shawna Spowart as the new Chief of Police effective October 29, 2021. With over 26 years of progressive experience with the Cornwall Police Service (CPS), she will be the first female police chief in its history.

Over the last seven years, Shawna has worked at the Executive Level in various roles including, Officer in Charge of the Community Patrol Division, Inspector of Field Operations, and most recently, Deputy Chief of Police. Through these roles, she has been instrumental in the development and implementation of the Vulnerable Sector Mobile Acute Response Team (VSMART); the Akwesasne, Cornwall, Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Situation Table; the successful execution of the Service’s Strategic Plans from 2014 to present; as well as the development of a Corporate Communications Strategy. In addition, Shawna has been influential in the transformation of the CPS into one that understands, values and prioritizes Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity.
“We are pleased to see Shawna Spowart become the first female Police Chief of the Cornwall Police Service,” said Chair of the Board, Glen Grant. “She has demonstrated strong leadership skills through her many years of service with the CPS and partnering agencies. Her modern approach to policing will assist the Service to evolve with the changing needs of the community and we look forward to seeing her many accomplishments as Chief.”

Throughout her 26-year career, Shawna has received various awards including: Police Exemplary Medal – 20 Years (Governor General of Canada); Recognition for 20 Years of Service (Cornwall Community Police Services Board); and Awards of Excellence for Team Achievement, Investigations and Meritorious Service (Canadian Police Association).

As someone who values community partnerships, Shawna has worked closely with several local organizations. She is currently on the Board of Directors for both, the Cornwall Community Hospital and Children’s Aid Society of SDG. Formerly the Chairman of the Board of Directors for Koala Place, she has also served on the Board of Directors for Maison Baldwin House, Counselling and Support Services of SD&G and Cornwall District Immigration Services. Shawna is also currently a Zone 2 Executive Committee Member on the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police.

The Cornwall Police Services Board would like to congratulate Shawna Spowart on being appointed as the Chief of Police and looks forward to her continued dedication towards serving the City of Cornwall.