New chief announced for Halifax Regional Police

NEWS RELEASE
HALIFAX REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY
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Halifax Regional Council today approved the recommendation by the Board of Police Commissioners to appoint Dan Kinsella as the next Halifax Regional Police Chief after a nation-wide search. Mr. Kinsella, who is currently Deputy Chief of Operations for Hamilton Police Service, assumes his new role on July 1, 2019.

Halifax Regional Council also appointed HRP Deputy Chief Robin McNeil as the Interim Chief of Police until Chief Designate Kinsella assumes his new role on July 1.

“I congratulate Mr. Kinsella on his appointment and welcome him to the municipality,” said Councillor Steve Craig, Chair of the Board of Police Commissioners. “Chief Designate Kinsella’s experience and proven leadership will serve us well in providing a community-focused policing service that sets the bar for other jurisdictions. At a time when the complexities surrounding policing and public safety continue to grow, Mr. Kinsella has the unique opportunity to build on the solid work of former Chief Jean-Michel Blais and Deputy Chief Robin McNeil. I’m confident we’re well positioned to provide a policing service that not only meets the changing needs of our citizens but one that also builds strong, trusting relationships with communities across the municipality.”

“With Mr. Kinsella at the helm of our outstanding police service, I’m confident Halifax Regional Police will continue to draw from the vast experience of its leadership team and further develop the strength of its diverse and capable police officers,” said Jacques Dubé, Chief Administrative Officer. “I look forward to working with Chief Designate Kinsella to support one of the most important priorities of our municipality – the safety and well-being of our residents.”

“I’m extremely proud to have the opportunity to lead what I consider to be an exceptional police service,” said Mr. Kinsella of being appointed the new Chief of Police for Halifax Regional Police. “I’m committed to building and championing positive relationships with the communities HRP serves as well as partnering with them to enhance public safety. This includes working collaboratively to address important community safety and policing issues such as street checks.”

Mr. Kinsella has more than 32 years of experience with Hamilton Police Service in every facet of policing. In his role as Deputy Chief of Operations, he oversees investigative services and three patrol divisions. He has acted as the command lead for multi-jurisdictional investigations and led the City of Hamilton Mayor’s summit for opioids, safe injection sites, and cannabis legalization. Mr. Kinsella was also the president of the FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA) for New York State and Eastern Canada and director of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) Zone 4.

Chief Designate Kinsella’s education includes a Master of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from the American Military University, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Labour Studies from McMaster University, as well as a Certificate in Adult Education from St. Francis Xavier University. He received the Order of Merit of the Police Forces in 2014 and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.

“I look forward to continuing the good work by HRP in diversifying its police services and I’ll be an unwavering advocate for the community partners and HRP staff in our efforts to foster trust, confidence and service excellence,” said Chief Designate Kinsella.

An executive search firm worked with the interview committee to identify prospective candidates across the country for a successor to Chief Blais. The search committee, through the executive search firm, engaged a broad range of stakeholders within the Halifax Regional Municipality and HRP to gain a broader perspective of the ideal profile for the role of Chief of Police and the current challenges and opportunities facing HRP. Mr. Kinsella was identified as the successful candidate after short-listing finalists that demonstrated exemplary accomplishments.
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