Two new deputy chiefs added to the Durham Police command

Two new deputy chiefs will take on their new roles with Durham Regional Police, effective July 1, with one appointed from within the force and the other coming from York Region.

Acting Deputy Chief Ryan Connolly has had the interim label removed from his job while Superintendent Chirag Bhatt from the York Regional Police has also been chosen as deputy chiefs following a comprehensive search and evaluation process.

“Deputy Chief-designates Bhatt and Connolly have demonstrated exceptional police leadership qualities throughout their careers that earned them the trust and respect of their colleagues and their communities,” said Durham Police Service Board Chair and Ajax Mayor Shaun Collier. “Their competence and character have now earned them the trust and support of the Police Service Board, and we are delighted to welcome them to their command roles in supporting the continued delivery of excellent police services across Durham Region.”

Durham Police Chief Peter Moreira offered his congratulations to his new deputies.

“Deputy Chief designates Bhatt and Connolly will add significant strength and depth to our leadership team and help shape and execute our plans for providing the community with the high-quality police services that they expect and deserve.”

The selection process, which was organized by Boyden Canada, aimed to attract professional and accomplished leaders to “advance the continued building of a modern police service that works in partnership with the community and builds internal and external trust.”

“I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute my knowledge and skills as Deputy Chief of Police, and I will continue to be motivated to support our members and strengthen the community’s trust,” said Connolly. “Our region and our profession are evolving and with my command colleagues I am committed to develop and implement policing strategies to ensure that the DRPS achieves its community safety goals today and in the years ahead.”

The recruitment process was international in scope and assessed police leaders in critical areas such as community engagement, cultural transformation, as well as equity, diversity and inclusion.

“I welcome this next step in my policing career and the opportunity to work alongside the outstanding professionals at the DRPS and all community partners and citizens,” said Bhatt. “I will embrace this new role with pride, humility and enthusiasm, and a firm resolve to support Chief Moreira and DRPS members in continuing to build a modern, accountable, community-centred police service that is a model across Ontario and Canada.”

The timing of a swearing-in ceremony to formally appoint the new deputy chiefs will be announced in the near future.