OPP names new detachment commander for West Nipissing detachment

Ontario Provincial Police North East Region have named Insp. Nathalie Rifou detachment commander of the Nipissing West OPP detachment, based in Sudbury. (OPP photo)

Ontario Provincial Police North East Region have named Insp. Nathalie Rifou detachment commander of the Nipissing West OPP detachment, based in Sudbury.

Rifou started her career in July 1999 with the West Nipissing Police Service, first as a constable and then a road sergeant in 2008.

She was also a shift supervisor, an intelligence officer and major crime investigator, "including major drug investigations, and scenes of crime officer," the OPP said this week.

The West Nipissing Police was amalgamated into the OPP in 2019. Rifou maintained the rank of sergeant, and within 12 months, became a detective sergeant with the Professional Standards Unit, being the lead investigator of a two-year major project in the Greater Toronto Area.

She was promoted to staff sergeant and operations manager at the Provincial Communications Centre in North Bay in 2022.

"Recently over the past seven months, Insp. Rifou was assigned to the position of acting unit commander/inspector at the Provincial Communication Centres in Orillia and North Bay, before being promoted to the Inspector of the Nipissing West OPP detachment," the OPP said.

"I am very proud and honoured to return to my home community to lead the Nipissing West detachment and its dedicated officers," Rifou said in a statement.

"Together, we will continue to provide a gold standard front line emergency response and investigative services to the communities we serve."

"I have full confidence in my team in keeping our communities safe," she added.

"We will thrive on creating and maintaining partnerships with our community leaders and engage with external agencies."

This year marks the 50th Anniversary of OPP Women in Uniform, "a milestone that highlights the significant contributions and progress made by women in the OPP," police said.

"Rifou’s leadership and dedication reflects the values of inclusivity and equity that continue to shape the future of policing, as the OPP recognizes the accomplishments of its women veterans and current members, while empowering the next generation through recruitment and mentorship."