Deputy Chief Mark Crowell named new chief of Waterloo Regional Police

Following a nationwide search, the Waterloo Region Police Services Board has announced current Deputy Chief Mark Crowell as the new Chief of Police.

Crowell has worked with the service for 22 years. For the past two years, he has served as Deputy Chief, overseeing areas such as human resources, finance, information technology, professional development and respect in the workplace.

« I am humbled and honored to have been selected by the Board of Directors to serve as Chief Constable of the WRPS, » Chief-Elect Crowell said in an online statement.

« I look forward to working with the Board and our members to continue to provide the most efficient and innovative service to the residents of Waterloo Region while pursuing a diverse and inclusive workplace, and advancing safety. working with our community partners to create equitable outcomes for all residents of Waterloo Region,” he added.

Crowell previously served as Inspector and Chief Executive to the Chief of Police, where he oversaw the expansion of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Unit and the creation of a Public Information Unit.

During his career he has served in areas such as: Patrol, Domestic Violence, Communications and Special Victims with a focus on Sexual Assault.

Crowell’s education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Canadian Studies from Wilfrid Laurier University, a Master of Arts in Sociology and a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Waterloo.

Main priorities

The board made the official announcement at a meeting Thursday chaired by Karen Redman.

She said there were several candidates vying for the role, but Crowell was an « easy » and unanimous decision.

« In particular, it is Chief-Designate Crowrll’s commitment to pursuing a diverse and inclusive workforce, building a culture of respect in the workplace, and his commitment to community partners, particularly as it relates to supportive housing and homelessness, addictions and mental health that made this an easy choice,” she said.

Asked by CBC KW about his top two priorities as chief, Crowell said, among others, operational excellence and financial and resource sustainability.

“We have complex operations that operate 24 hours a day and we have seen an increasing trend in violence in our community with regards to gun violence, robberies etc. So working with our team for all of our operations frontline and ensuring that our investigation capacity is at its best and at its most optimal,” he said.

He said he could not provide budget details yet, however, he said the service was heading into budget season and he could not shirk the demands placed on him.

“I will be clear in saying that we are a growing community. We have pressing needs that we are working to meet every day and it will be critical that we provide adequate and effective policing in this region and that requires investments in community safety and public safety,” he said. .

Listening, learning and engagement service

In recent years, there have been new calls to dismantle systemic anti-Black racism within the police and all institutions, and to reallocate funds within the police budget to support upstream prevention programs .

Asked about his commitment to inclusion, diversity and rebuilding trust with the community, Crowell said it was a priority.

“We have re-engaged with community groups at events through meetings and to keep the work going,” he added, noting that the service is working on a solid engagement plan.

« We know we have a good sense of the pulse of our community, but we need to continue to listen and learn and engage and ensure that no citizen in this region is left behind, that we are included. in everything we do, » he said.

Crowell is expected to officially assume the role on November 24.

Since July 4, the staff superintendent. John Goodman served as acting police chief following the retirement of Bryan Larkin.