Meet our team

Inspector Debbie Miller began her career in the spotlight by being one of the first five black female officers ever hired by the Ottawa Police Service in 1994. This distinction would be one of many in her 28-year career. Debbie is known for her ability to seize opportunities to advocate, mentor and empower the next generation of leaders. She does not wait for a seat at the table; rather, she builds the table and invites those who need and should be at the table. Debbie has used her platform to open doors to communities that have never regarded a career in policing as an option. She was instrumental in modernizing the Constable Selection hiring process by streamlining it, which included leading an extensive review, and identifying and eliminating longstanding systemic barriers. These steps along with building and nurturing community partnerships have enabled the Ottawa Police to advance its commitment to having a police service that is truly reflective of the community it so proudly serves.

Inspector Debbie Miller has been recognized for her service through numerous awards including most recently the distinction of being Canada’s 100 Black Women to watch in 2020, by Canada’s International Black Women Event (CIBWE). This is the biggest platform to showcase and celebrate Black women in Canada: their achievements, their strives, their purpose and breakthroughs. As an Award recipient of the 2019 Member of Order of Merit of the Police forces (M.O.M.) , award. Debbie continues to use her platform to inspire and challenge us to face hard truths, systems and structures that need tearing down so we can build collaboratively with all key stakeholders at the table.