Head of police union says change is needed at the top
Posted Oct 20, 2022 09:35:00 AM.
The head of the union representing Halifax Regional Police says change is needed — and it appears the chief could be a target.
The Regional Police Association is planning to hold a vote of confidence over the leadership of Chief Dan Kinsella.
The organization is citing a lack of planning, not enough support for officers and a spike in occupational health and safety claims.
President Dean Stienburg says the union and its members have been patient over the chief's three years in charge.
“I have been here 32 years and absolutely, this has been the worst working relationship that we have ever seen,” Stienburg tells CityNews Halifax. “We just don't seem to be able to affect any positive change whatsoever.”
Stienburg says a recent engagement study done by Halifax Regional Municipality is also finding there's not much satisfaction with how the police department is being run.
He also notes that HRP is losing sworn officers to other cities, and says that is a real issue in what he calls an “ultra competitive” job market.
The vote of confidence will continue until Oct. 30 when the results will be presented to the Halifax Regional Police Association membership at its Nov. 1 general meeting.
