The Waterloo Regional Police Service is once again opening its doors to young leaders through its annual Chief for a Day contest.

The contest is open to all students in grades 5 to 8 across Waterloo Region. Participants are invited to enter the contest by writing a short essay (a minimum of 400 words) or creating a video that answers the question: What would you do to make a positive impact in your community if you were Chief for a day?

The top five entrants will be invited to police headquarters for a formal interview and to present their essays. The finalists will be announced on May 11, 2026, the beginning of Police Week in Ontario, on WRPS social media accounts.

The winner will report for duty at police headquarters in June 2026.

“We’re excited to once again open our doors to young leaders across Waterloo Region to hear their ideas about how they could make a positive difference in their communities,” said Mark Crowell, Chief of Police. “The Chief for a Day contest is about listening to youth, encouraging responsibility, and showing the young people in our community that their voices matter.”

Once chosen, the junior Chief will have the opportunity to be fitted with a police uniform, tour police headquarters, explore the inside of a police cruiser, visit the canine unit, interact with police officers throughout the day, and more.

New this year, the Chief for a Day winner will also attend the WRPS Hearts & Heroes Awards Gala on November 5, 2026, where they will present their essay to an audience of more than 700 guests.

Contest entries must be submitted using the online submission form by May 4, 2026.