Police Chief Appointment Extension and
Appointments of New Deputy Chiefs
April 17, 2019
NEWMARKET – The Regional Municipality of York Police Services Board is pleased to announce that it has extended the appointment of Chief Eric Jolliffe to April 30, 2020. The Chief will assist the Board in providing strong support and mentorship to the future leadership at York Regional Police. “The Police Services Board is very pleased that Chief Jolliffe has accepted to remain on until next April to help support the Board’s succession plan for the future leadership of the York Regional Police,” said Board Chair Virginia Hackson.
The Board is also very pleased to announce today the selection of two Deputy Chiefs of Police. Superintendent Brian Bigras and Superintendent James MacSween have been chosen by the Board to fill the current vacancy and the additional position of Deputy Chief of Police. Superintendents Bigras and MacSween will join Deputy Chief André Crawford and Deputy Chief Robertson Rouse as seconds-in-command.
With the recent departure of Deputy Chief Tom Carrique, the opportunity to expand the Executive Command Team to four Deputy Chiefs of Police will allow for enhanced leadership and strategic focus, timely communications, risk mitigation and a balanced workload associated with high demand areas and complex work portfolios. This will provide for stronger oversight of key policing areas of the organization and will support growth and manage future trends and complexities of a modern policing organization.
“The Board recognizes that some of the best talent in the policing community is within YRP and made the important decision to select two exceptional individuals to join the Executive Command Team. Both Superintendents have proven themselves to be leaders in this organization and both have extensive depth and breadth of experience and have track records of operational success that will add to the talent at the executive level,” said Chair Virginia Hackson.
“York Regional Police is considered a leading police service and Brian and Jim will assist in providing a stronger focus on community policing, operational excellence, preferred place of employment and superior quality service,” said Chief Eric Jolliffe.
Both Deputy Chief designates bring extensive administration and operational expertise to the roles.
Superintendent Bigras has 29 years of service with York Regional Police with significant experience as the officer-in-charge of Investigative Services and Organized Crime and has assumed many leadership roles within the administration branch of the organization. Superintendent Bigras has strong leadership skills and has dedicated his time to community engagement; he is the past Chair of Addiction Services of York Region and serves on the Special Advisory Council to the League for Human Rights – B’nai Brith Canada. Superintendent Bigras has a Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University.
Superintendent MacSween has 30 years of service with York Regional Police and has vast experience as the officer-in-charge of significant operational areas of the organization including #2 & #4 Districts, Training and Education and more recently in the Real Time Operations Centre. A graduate of the Rotman School of Leadership, Superintendent MacSween has proven to be a strong team builder and communicator and has also dedicated his time as a volunteer with St. John Ambulance.
Superintendents Bigras and MacSween will assume their new roles on May 15, 2019.
The Regional Municipality of York Police Services Board is the civilian board which governs and oversees the York Regional Police. Four members of the Board are appointed by Regional Council and three by the Province of Ontario. One of the responsibilities of the Board is to recruit and appoint the Chief of Police and the Deputy Chief of Police.
Media Contact: Mafalda Avellino, Executive Director, Police Services Board
1-877-464-9675 ext. 77906 or psb@yrp.ca
Accessible formats or communication supports are available upon request.
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