Superintendent Zackrias receives the 2025 Leadership in Human and Civil Rights Award

The Ottawa Police Service proudly celebrates Superintendent Zackrias as the recipient of the 2025 Leadership in Human and Civil Rights Award from the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

This honour recognizes individuals around the world who inspire positive change, boost civic pride, and uphold the essential responsibility of policing—protecting civil and constitutional rights for all.

“As an immigrant, I had a good understanding of what the issues are, and I always enjoyed doing community policing, being part of programs and initiatives, working with community partners—it’s part of who I am,” he said.

For almost three decades, Superintendent David Zackrias has devoted himself to promoting human rights, fostering inclusion, and strengthening community trust within policing. Through his leadership at OPS, he has established a national standard for fair and equitable policing, guided by empathy, innovation, and collaborative practice.

“What this award represents is really my mission since I joined the job,” he explained. “I always had a passion for human rights, understanding issues people face, inequities and amplifying voices of communities.”

That mission has shaped every step of his journey. “I applied the same principles and philosophy at every level,” he said. “From constable, to sergeant, staff sergeant, inspector and now as a superintendent, I focused on human rights in every seat I was in.”

Under his leadership, OPS has made significant strides toward inclusive policing. In 2017, Superintendent Zackrias led the creation of the Community Equity Council, providing a structured platform for marginalized communities to guide police policy and strengthen mutual understanding. His efforts in developing and delivering the Fair and Impartial Policing program and leading the DRIVE2 strategy have helped enhance cultural competency and inclusivity across the Service.

Through initiatives like the annual Human Rights Learning Forum, he has championed ongoing education on racial justice and ethical policing—helping officers and community members alike build the foundations of trust and respect.

His compassion and diplomacy have long defined his approach. During the 2009 Tamil protests in Ottawa, he played a key role in peacefully mediating between demonstrators and police, exemplifying his steadfast commitment to civil liberties and community well-being.

“The Diversity Celebration at OPS is also something I helped bring to life,” he explained. “At the end of the day, if I’m bringing communities together, amplifying their voices, building trust—and standing here as proof that immigrants can create meaningful change within large organizations—then I’ve done my job.”

Superintendent Zackrias repeatedly expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the teams he has led.

“The team members from every OPS section I’ve been part of, and all the community partners who worked hand-in-hand with me, who created these opportunities and who share these values,” he said. “None of this would have been possible without them.”