LRDG Talent
LRDG Talent
W.C. (Bill) Van OtterlooTelephone # 250-739-3341
E-Mail: bdvano@shaw.caCareer Profile
Vision-driven and results-oriented professional, experienced in designing and spearheading the strategies, programs, methods, processes and operations to improve conflict management and achieve cultural transformation. A proven and recognized leader, manager, administrator, motivator and developer, committed to quality values of an organization and its mission statement.
Professional Experience
Management and Leadership
θ Over 37 years of experience working within the RCMP in a wide variety of capacities that include detachment commander, watch commander, mediator, facilitator, negotiator, emergency response team member and tactical troop commander.
θ Skilled personnel administrator of 20 years competent in training, recruiting, interviewing, team building, evaluating performances and motivating employees to excellence.
θ Proven ability in conflict resolution for the past ten years working within the RCMP, able to assess a conflict situation, assign appropriate interventions and reach a mutual agreement for 200 cases resulting in enormous savings to the RCMP.
θ Proficient at exercising sensitivity by coordinating and directing highly complex objectives, while orchestrating the efforts of others on multiple tasks.
θ A proactive team player with strong leadership, analytical, problem solving, decision-making and management skills.
Project Administration
θ Marketed, trained and acted as a neutral champion in conflict resolution to 7400 employees as coordinator of the Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) program in British Columbia (“E” Division)
θ Demonstrated financial management skills ability to maximize resources and develop business cases, while working within the parameters of the budgets available.
θ Provided continuous leadership to 20 mediators, developed programs specific to geographical location, established standards and evaluated performance of mediators from direct feedback of participants.
Public Relations and Communication
θ Elicited internal awareness of ADR programs through course presentations, lectures, and conferences.
θ Provided guidance and assisted with direction to management, supervisors. Trainers and ADR personnel within the organization
θ Respected liaison and advisor to other police agencies with both British Columbia and United States in system design and implementation of conflict management systems
θ Senior advisor to the ADR national director and instrumental in developing national ADR strategies.
Career History
2003-2007 – Detachment Commander (Staff Sergeant) of Oceanside Detachment - responsible for the delivery of policing services to Parksville and Qualicum Beach, B.C.
1997-2003 – Alternate Resolution Coordinator for “E” Division (British Columbia), responsible for developing conflict resolution programs and the training of employees of the R.C.M.P. in conflict management.
1995-1997 – Watch Commander – Nanaimo Municipal Detachment, member of the senior management team, responsible for the management supervision, leadership, and motivation of police officers and staff of a 20 person watch.
1989-1995 – Senior Patrol Supervisor– Prince George Municipal Detachment, - second in command of a eighteen member watch, responsible for providing front line supervision and attending and overseeing all serious investigations and calls for service.
1984-1989 – Patrol Supervisor – Kamloops Municipal Detachment – second in Command of a 12 member watch, responsible for providing front line supervision and attending and overseeing all serious investigations and calls for service.
1982 –1984 – Detachment Commander – Fruitvale Detachment - responsible for the delivery of policing services to Fruitvale, B.C. and area.
1980 – 1982 – Detachment Commander – Blue River Detachment – responsible for the delivery of policing services to Blue River, B.C. and area.
1971 – 1980 – Police Dog Service – Vancouver Island – dogmaster, responsible for the delivery of police dog services to thirty two detachments on Vancouver Island.
1969-1971 – General Duties – Surrey Municipal Detachment – Whalley Sub-office, member of general duties watch policing the municipality of Surrey,B.C.
Training and Education2003 - Mediating Consciously: Being Real and Becoming Aware,
Justice Institute of B.C. (JIBC)
Mediation Skills Level 3 (JIBC)
The Practice of Mediation (JIBC)
2001- Resolving Conflict in Groups Level III (JIBC)
Designing and Facilitating Multi-Stakeholder Processes
2000- Resolving Conflict in Groups Level II (JIBC)
Facilitating the Collaborative Process
Negotiation Skills Level 2 (JIBC)
1999 - Mediation Skills Level 2 (JIBC)
1998 - Mediation Skills Level 1 (JIBC)
Dealing with Interpersonal Conflict (JIBC)
Dealing with Anger (JIBC)
Organizational Culture and Conflict (JIBC)
1997 - Interest Based Negotiation Instructor (RCMP)
Introduction to Management (RCMP)
Principle Centered Leadership (RCMP)
Media Relations Course (RCMP)
1991 - Tactical Troop Instructor (RCMP)
1990 - Members assistance Program (M.A.P) Referral Agent (RCMP)
1989 - Tactical Troop Training (RCMP)
1983 - Emergency Response Team Training (RCMP)
Criminology (Simon Fraser University Distant Learning)
1981 - Detachment Commanders Course (RCMP)
1980 - Evidentiary Breathtest Technician (RCMP)
1974- Mountaineering, Rock Climbing Course (RCMP/Parks Canada)
1973- Avalanche Rescue Training(RCMP/Parks Canada)
1971- Police Service Dogmaster Training (RCMP)
Accomplishments & Affiliations2004- Detachment Commander of Oceanside Detachment and facilitated complex changes resulting in a 100% turnover of members and the development of a productive and dynamic culture.
2003- Facilitated several complex Work Place Conflict Mediations, developed Graduated Return to Work Agreements in lengthy workplace absenteeism
2002- Chairperson for national workshop to develop national strategy for Workplace/Relationship Restructuring methodology and best practices.
2000 Member representing the RCMP in an international Conference for Interaction 2000 “Pulling Together” Conflict Resolution in the Federal Domain, sponsored by the University of British Columbia.
θ Responsible for the introduction of Interest Based Negotiation courses as a mandated Pilot Project in Kelowna Detachment to 208 employees.
θ Developing a program to train Interest Based Negotiation to 800 employees of the RCMP in British Columbia, which exceeded the 10% national goal of the RCMP to provide this training to the employees.
θ Chairperson of the committee for “Effectiveness for Employee Development”, a sub-committee created to develop strategies and methods for the identification and mentoring of employees.
1999- Co-developed a working template of Relationship Restructuring, which was implemented into RCMP units to deal collaboratively with work place conflict and resolution.
1997- Negotiated accreditation with the Justice Institute of BC for the employees of “E” Division to be accredited in Interest Based Negotiation and mediation courses provided by the RCMP to their employees.
θ Chairperson of the Discipline Review Board, a committee which provides recommendations in disciplinary matters to the Commanding Officer
Bill continues his self development and education which has allowed him to become an authority in the field of conflict resolution and work place relationships.
Since his retirement, Bill has is the sole proprietor of Libra Leadership and Conflict Resolution Service (libraleadershipservice@shaw.ca) and is an associate with the Life-Role Development Group (www.life-role.com).