Deputy Chief Trish Ferguson has been a proud member of the Ottawa Police for 28 years. Drawn to policing at a young age, it was a career that aligned with the values with which she was raised and allowed her to commit to a life of service. While earning her degree from the University of Ottawa (Criminology), Trish volunteered with OPS working in the community. It was there she learned and understood the importance of fostering and building relationships with the communities she would eventually serve. In 1995, Trish joined the ranks of OPS and gained broad experience working in various capacities in Patrol, Sexual Assault/Child Abuse, School Resources, Elder Abuse, Investigations, Outreach and Recruiting and Community Policing. During these years, Trish witnessed the courage and strength of survivors and the commitment of the people called to support them through their journey. This led to advocacy work for victims and survivors as well as co-managing the Critical Incident Stress Management Team for OPS members for over 10 years.  In addition to this work, Trish has been a strong advocate for the advancement of women in policing, leading and participating in national events and local initiatives to improve culture, address workplace inequities, and provide networking and educational opportunities for women in law enforcement. 

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In 2018, Trish was promoted to the senior ranks as an Inspector and worked on the Frontline as a Duty Inspector managing critical incidents and major city events. She also led the reorganization of the Criminal Investigations Directorate and the OPS’ response to the Pandemic. When she was promoted to Superintendent in 2020 she was given responsibility for Frontline Policing, leading the Service’s largest group of members. From 2021 to 2023, Trish served as Acting Deputy Chief, first for the Community Policing Command then for the Investigations, Information and Serious & Organized Crime Command where she held that position before being permanently named Deputy Chief of that Command in April 2023.

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Trish and her husband, also an OPS member, have two children. She continues to be an active member of her community, regularly engaging in volunteer initiatives and is currently on the Board of the Snowsuit Fund.