Ray Bernoties
Consulting
Services
Ray has provided training, conducted comprehensive reviews and investigations, researched/advanced policing transitions, provided strategic HR/labour relations guidance, moderated panels, mentored, and been a keynote speaker. He has provided consulting services across B.C., Alberta, and the Northwest Territories.
Additionally, in 2023, Ray assisted B.C.'s only indigenous police service until the spring of 2024 in an executive role, while continuing to provide consulting services to other organizations.
Ray's expertise is in policing and public safety. He is passionate about leadership and committed to enhancing policing services in indigenous communities.
Training
Reviews & Initiatives
Interim Leadership
Bio
Ray retired as the Chief of the Oak Bay Police Department in 2022 after five years with OBPD. Prior to that, he was a Chief Superintendent in the RCMP, responsible for the operations and administration of approximately 1200 employees on Vancouver Island. Before that, he was based at the BC RCMP Headquarters in Surrey as the Chief Superintendent in charge of the Operations Strategy Branch, overseeing the BC RCMP's Communications, Continuous Development, Strategic Planning, Government Liaision, Review Services (including Directed and Managerial Reviews and Quality Assurance Program), Diversity Unit, and large-scale initiatives such as organizational restructuring, efficiency reviews and an employee engagement initiative.
Ray was the Chief of the Stl'atl'imx Tribal Police, B.C.'s only self-administered First Nations Police Service. Prior to that, he oversaw policing in BC's remote coastal indigenous communities, only accessible by float plane or boat. He was the Officer in Charge (Inspector) of Community, Contract and Indigenous Policing at the RCMP Headquarters, Ottawa. He attended BC's public inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (2012) and the National Apology in the House of Commons, Ottawa (2008). He has been a member of the First Nations Police Chiefs Association (FNPCA) of Canada and attended the FNPCA Annual General Meeting in 2023.
Ray served in many roles during his 31 year career from operational roles such as Surrey Duty Officer (Inspector) to being in Human Resources (Superintendent) at the RCMP's National Headquarters. He chaired numerous high level HR interviews throughout Canada and presented at the Officer Development Course in Regina, SK, the Executive Development in Policing Program at the Canadian Police College in Ottawa and Supervisors Courses at the Pacific Regional Training Centre and the Justice Institute of British Columbia.
Ray was the Officer in Charge (Supt) of BC RCMP Communications; overseeing all aspects of media relations, media training, media policy and social media. He implemented a process of acreditation for Media Relation Officers, revised/created social media policy, created Guiding Principles and a Communications Matrix which was adopted nationally by the RCMP.
Ray was the President of the BC Association of Chiefs of Police (BCACP), Chair of the BCACP Ethics Committee and BC's representative on the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, Ethics Committee. He has been a member of numerous committees such as BC's Structure & Funding Committee and presenting to BC's Blue Ribbon Panel on Crime Reduction.
While in Ottawa, Ray gained invaluable experience as the Executive Officer to the Commissioner of the RCMP, a unique position accompanying the Commissioner at almost all times. Ray traveled all over Canada and abroad, attending high level meetings with all levels of Government, Ambassadors, Interpol, Europol, and police leaders from across the world.
Ray spent most of his career in management/executive positions. He completed countless courses including Negotiations training, Canadian Securities Course, Detachment Commanders Course, Incident Command Levels 100, 200, 300 and Evacuation Planning. He acquired the Gold Level - Public Order Commander Certification (College of Policing, England). He instructed on many RCMP Courses including the Media Relations, Public Speaking, Supervisors Course and leadership training.
Ray enjoys pushing himself out of his comfort zone. He has traveled extensively including countries such as Haiti, Russia, Afghanistan, Guatemala, Cambodia, Turkey, Uganda, Tanzania, Vietnam, Panama, Japan, and Nicaragua. He has a Kinesiology degree and was the BC RCMP's Fitness & Lifestyle Advisor. He has personally completed numerous marathons, events such as Ironman Triathlons, and volunteered with groups such as Rotary Club, Big Brothers, coaching Special Olympics, and Cops for Cancer. He continues to be actively involved with youth sports.
Testimonials
"Ray is the most strategic police officer I've ever worked with. He sees what others don't and his vision is well ahead of the curve. His strong leadership was widely recognized by his peers and his ability to motivate his team was without question his strongest attribute. Ray was instrumental in my career. Through his motivation and investment in me, I achieved potential that would have otherwise not been realized. He has a unique ability to motivate. I've personally listened to Ray speak at a conference where he captivated the audience, leaving them feeling stronger and much more united. He is a very powerful motivational speaker. I would highly recommend Ray Bernoties to any company looking to motivate and develop leadership. He is an incredibly passionate individual who can captivate an audience and leave them feeling empowered."
Supt. Todd Preston, Officer in Charge, Westshore Detachment, RCMP / Past President, British Columbia Association of Chiefs of Police
"Ray's honesty, integrity, empathy, courage & communication are just a few of his traits that make him an amazing leader. He was instrumental in shifting the culture & creating a healthier, more harmonious work environment in a short period of time. His leadership and ability to identify blindspots & strengths in our organization and individual team members while encouraging, challenging, providing opportunities for us to grow & facilitate change was remarkable. He built trust, drove progress, remained empathetic, had tough conversations and made the right decisions even when they seemed unpopular. He blasted barriers that were deeply embedded in our dept and created change including a merit based, equitable workplace. He's a very skilled communicator. I have personally seen him effectively managing difficult media interviews regarding sensitive investigations."
Police Chief Julie Chanin, Oak Bay Police Department
"Stl'atl'imx Tribal Police was in the midst of huge turmoil; unsure of our future. Bernoties sacrificed his personal life and dedicated all his time & strength to stabilize STPS. Community members appreciated his efforts. Band Chiefs & Councillors got to know him through his community involvement. Bernoties encouraged & enabled employees to start dreaming again, to have goals & focus on the future. He treated everyone with respect."
Pauline Michell, Chair, Stl'alt'imx Tribal Police Board
"Bernoties took a very pragmatic, determined and objective approach on this review. I have heard nothing but positive comments with respect to Bernoties' interviews and attitude towards the employees...wrote an articulate, concise and clear report. Bernoties' recommendations are not only well thought-out but very positive"
Assistant Commissioner Mike McDonell, RCMP National Security
Contact
Email Address:
Phone/Text:
(250) 858-8450
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Fees
Fees vary based on specific client request, travel, and other variables.
GST applicable.
Please contact to discuss. No obligation.
Territorial Acknowledgment
We acknowledge that the land on which we gather is the traditional territory of the Coast and Straits Salish Peoples. Specifically we recognize the Lekwungen peoples known today as the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, and that their historic connections to these lands continue to this day.