New local OPP Commander wants to build relationships in community

By Zachary Roman

When Insp. MaryLouise Kearns first became a police officer in 1994, she wanted to be stationed in Caledon. 

While she didn't get placed in Town then, she's now the new detachment commander of the Caledon Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). She brings with her extensive policing experience with a specialization in crime.

“I always had a drive to make sure that I catch the person responsible for altering somebody's life,” said Kearns. “What I mean by that is, obviously in a homicide, it's a big thing… the effect on a family and friends and the community when something like that happens is huge. I wanted to be a part of bringing justice and having conversations for change.”

Kearns has worked in the OPP's Biker Enforcement Unit, Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, Criminal Investigations Branch, and much more. She also made a stop in Caledon as a sergeant years back, but left in order to gain further experience and continue being promoted within the OPP.

Now, she plans to end her career as Caledon's detachment commander.

Kearns said she's looking forward to working with Caledon's community leaders to form partnerships.

“The reason why I wanted to end my career here is I had such a great experience working here. I really enjoyed the Town of Caledon,” said Kearns. “I love the community. I loved how involved they were with issues that were important to them. I thought that coming back here, with all the experience I've gained throughout my career, and my love of this community, I thought that would be a great fit to come back here and provide the leadership for Caledon.” Kearns said she feels at home in Caledon and that its OPP detachment is full of energy and a great place in which to work. 

Traffic safety has been an important topic in Caledon's 2022 municipal election, with many candidates stating if they're elected they'd like to work with the OPP towards getting more enforcement on Caledon roads.

Kearns said traffic safety is an ongoing priority for the Caledon OPP, and that if an officer is not responding to a call, she expects that they're out in Caledon ensuring that roads are a safer place to be. Kearns said traffic safety is not just all about speeding and road rules. She explained stopping vehicles in the community can help police officers stop human trafficking, illegal weapons, and drugs. 

“Traffic safety always remains a priority in policing… not only with everyday vehicles but also with commercial motor vehicles,” said Kearns. “We respect how important it is to every community that you can drive on a road safely.”

Kearns said the Caledon OPP has always maintained a great relationship with Caledon's by-law enforcement team. With regards to illegal trucking yards operating in Caledon, Kearns said if by-law ever brings any issue forward that has a criminal element, the OPP will take investigating the issue very seriously.

Communities work together, said Kearns, and for Caledon to be a great place to live in it will require the community working with the police. “We need all of your eyes, we need all of your input on how we can do things better,” said Kearns. “I think as a community, if you want your community to be safe, you've got to be part of that change.” She said the Caledon OPP is lucky to have amazing auxiliary units who do outreach at important community events in Caledon. Kearns said the little things matter when you're a police officer, and that building trust in a community starts with officers being professional and kind, and acting with integrity, in everything they do.

“I have to say that I definitely feed off the energy of others, and I'm so lucky that I'm surrounded by people with such great positive energy that are working and doing their best for the community,” said Kearns. “How much more as a detachment commander could I ask than that?”