Vernon White

Who is Vernon White?

Vernon Darryl "Vern" White is a Canadian senator who was previously chief of the Ottawa Police Service.

As chief, he was responsible for community law enforcement in Canada's national capital city. He was previously chief of police for the Durham Regional Police Service and formally succeeded Vince Bevan on May 22, 2007.

Before becoming chief of police for the Durham Regional Police Service, he served 24 years in the ranks of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, including as Assistant Commissioner for Information and Identification, in the Ottawa region. White also has experience in various communities across Canada.

While White was police chief, the Ottawa Police Service became one of the most scandal-plagued police forces in Canada, facing numerous lawsuits related to allegations of in-custody abuses and false arrests.

Vernon White has a Masters in Conflict Studies from Royal Roads University, a Bachelor Arts Degree in Sociology and Psychology from Acadia University, and a diploma in Business Administration.

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper appointed White to the Senate on January 6, 2012, with effect from February 20, 2012, allowing him to complete his term as Ottawa police chief.