The Halton Regional Police Service Pipes & Drums was formed on September 2, 1987 as a result of a cooperative effort by members of the community and members of the Halton Regional Police Service.
The band's first Pipe Major was William S. Robertson of Oakville, a gifted piper and retired member of the famous Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (Princess Louise's). The 'Imperial' Argylls saved the British Army during the Battle of Balaklava by forming the now famous Thin Red Line tipped with steel, and traces its regimental roots back to 1794 with the formation of the 98th (Argyllshire Highlanders) Regiment of Foot in Scotland.
The primary function of the Halton Regional Police Service Pipes & Drums is to enhance the concept and spirit of community policing through the performance of highland bagpipe music at concerts, charity and fundraising events, police and military Tattoos, parades, and competitions throughout the Golden Horseshoe, in the United States, and overseas. But most of all, the Pipes & Drums represent the emotion of the Halton Regional Police Service everywhere they perform.
The pipe section is presently comprised of 17 pipers, with an accompanying drum section of four snare drummers, two flourishing tenor drummers, and one bass drummer.
The majority of members in the Pipes & Drums are civilian volunteers, drawn from all segments of the local community. Other members are serving and retired police and peace officers. The Pipes & Drums are today under the direction of Pipe Major Allan M. Eaton CD formerly of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise's) and Drum Major Constable Nick McConnell, and appear by kind permission of Gary Crowell, Chief of the Halton Regional Police Service.