Deputy Chief Robertson Rouse, BA

About Deputy Chief Rouse

Deputy Chief Robertson Rouse brings more than 35 years of operational and strategic experience to the role of Deputy Chief of York Regional Police, having started with the organization in 1987.

He has previously served in the Intelligence Bureau, the Provincial Weapons Enforcement Unit, #2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau and as the officer in charge of the Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Bureaus.

He was promoted to the rank of Inspector in 2004 and was assigned to #5 District headquarters in the City of Markham. In 2008, he was promoted to rank of Superintendent and remained at #5 District as the officer in charge. He was the officer in charge of Staff Services, which includes the Human Resources, Member Support, Employee Relations and Psychological Services Bureau prior to his promotion to Deputy Chief.

Deputy Chief Rouse holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminology and a certificate of business administration from the University of Toronto. He is currently a graduate student in the Master of Science program in criminal justice administration at Niagara University.

His professional leadership training includes the Police Leadership program at the Rotman School of Management, Canadian Security Studies Program at the Canadian Forces College, the International Commanders Program at The College of Policing Bramshill, United Kingdom and the Senior Management Institute for Police in Boston, United States.

Deputy Chief Rouse is the recipient of the Governor General’s Exemplary Service 20-year medal and 30-year First Bar. In May of 2022, he was appointed as a Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces by the Governor General of Canada. He was awarded the Human Rights and Race Relations Centre Gold Medal for outstanding contributions to the promotion of race relations, and the National Ethnic Press and Media Council Award for distinguished service to community and for public service.

Deputy Chief Rouse has received numerous other awards and recognition for his extensive community work, including the Markham African Caribbean Association and Town of Markham Black History Month award for outstanding service to the community, as well as certificates of appreciation for his support of the community from the York Region District School Board, former Ontario MPP Laura Albanese, and former Ontario Attorney General Michael Bryant.