Chief Paulo Da Silva
Chief Paulo Da Silva is entering his 32nd year of policing, having started his career in 1993 and joining York Regional Police in 1997. With an extensive experience in all aspects of operations and administration, coupled with a proven track record of leveraging innovation and technology to deliver effective and efficient police service, Chief Da Silva was sworn in to lead the organization in June of 2026.
In his most recent role as Deputy Chief, he commanded the Community Safety Branch of York Regional Police, which oversees front line policing operations across all five districts, and three sub-stations across the region.
A recognized leader in policing innovation, Chief Da Silva has championed the use of emerging technologies to improve service delivery, officer effectiveness and community safety. He led the implementation and expansion of the CCTV Community Camera Program and Automated Licence Plate Recognition technology, and spearheaded the creation of the Community Safety Data Portal, the P25 Voice Radio System Initiative and the Connected Officer Program, which equipped every frontline member with a smartphone. He also led the implementation of electronic note-taking, the Digital Evidence Management System and the Strategic Technology Framework, helping modernize policing services across the organization.
York Regional Police is defined by its people and its commitment to the communities we serve.
In a previous command role within the Administrative Branch, Chief Da Silva was responsible for People, Wellness and Talent, Business Intelligence and Analytics, Financial Services, Corporate Development and Infrastructure Services, helping shape organizational strategy, workforce development and long-term sustainability.
Throughout his career, Chief Da Silva has been a strong advocate for collaborative community safety. He has built and strengthened partnerships with municipalities, community organizations, health-care providers, educational institutions, faith leaders and social service agencies, recognizing that public safety is most effective when communities and police work together. He is deeply committed to community engagement, inclusion and building trust through meaningful relationships that address both immediate public safety concerns and the underlying factors that impact community well-being.
Chief Da Silva’s commitment to service extends beyond policing. He is an active community volunteer and leader, having served as President of the Board of Directors for the Richmond Hill Welcome Centre, Co-Chair of United Way York Region and on the Board of Directors for St. John Ambulance York Region. He has also been a longstanding champion of pediatric cancer care through Southlake Regional Health Centre’s Be A Hero Campaign (formerly Cops for Cancer), serving as Chair since 2016 and proudly shaving his head annually to raise funds and awareness for children and families facing cancer.
Chief Da Silva is the recipient of the Governor General’s Exemplary Service Medal (20 Years), a Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces and a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal. He is a proud member of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police and the FBI National Academy Associates, New York State/Eastern Canada Chapter.
He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, the Police Leadership Program at the University of Toronto Rotman School of Management, the Executive Strategic Management Program and the Senior Management Institute for Police. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto.
Chief Da Silva is married and the proud father of two daughters.
