Date: March 30, 2026
In response to media inquiries regarding the March 16, 2026, decision of the New Brunswick Court of King’s Bench, I prepared the following statement. Due to a previous publication ban issued in September 2025, I have not made any statements until now. I will make no further comment beyond this statement.
I was first made aware of Police Act complaints made by some members of the Saint John Police Force against me in July 2025. I fully cooperated with the Saint John Board of Police Commissioners, the New Brunswick Police Commission, and the independent third-party investigator throughout the entire investigation and disposition. The majority of the allegations were found to be vexatious, frivolous, and not made in good faith and were dismissed. For the few remaining allegations, I took full responsibility for any action the Saint John Board of Police Commissioners or the New Brunswick Police Commission deemed below the standard expected of the Saint John Police Chief through the informal resolution process under the Police Act.
Since being appointed Chief of the Saint John Police Force in July of 2021, I have worked tirelessly to enhance public safety in the city of Saint John by being accountable and transparent, and increasing the confidence and trust of those we serve. That includes enhancing our policing service delivery through innovation, strengthening internal and external communication, and creating positive community engagement through partnerships and collaboration. I have also been committed to working towards an effective collective agreement that better reflects the challenges and complexities of modern-day policing.
In short, I have sought out every opportunity to build a police force that our members, our governing board and most importantly, our community can trust and be proud of. This has not been easy or without significant complications. The workplace culture I inherited was not one that embraced change or innovation. There has been much resistance, specifically from the Saint John Police Association Executive, which seeks to maintain the status quo because it benefits them.
As the Chief of Police and a community member, I take great pride and satisfaction in the service our frontline members, civilian staff, detectives, and speciality units provide daily. The policing environment is ever-changing; the demands are greater, the challenges never ending, the expectations higher, and the scrutiny relentless. Our members have accepted their roles and responsibilities while embracing our mission. They perform their duties admirably with valour, commitment, dedication, and professionalism. Serving alongside them is an honour. I want to thank the members of the Saint John Police Force, the broader community, and my colleagues across the country who have reached out to me in recent weeks with messages of support and encouragement that we are doing the right thing.
The Saint John Police Association actions are disappointing and predictable. Similar tactics and attempts to discredit were employed by the union before my arrival against previous police management, chiefs of police, City managers, City councillors, and the Saint John Board of Police Commissioners. These attacks move us farther from the modern, responsive police force the residents of Saint John expect and deserve. The timing of these actions is not a coincidence. At the time the complaints were made, we were in the middle of a challenging labour relations process which commenced in 2024 with the expiration of the collective agreement and addressed through arbitration in late December 2025.
As a leader, you are often subject to criticism; however, I remain fully invested and committed to the execution of the organizational mission. This city is facing tremendous challenges. Let’s not be divided or diverted from keeping our city safe, secure, and healthy. Along with our management team, frontline members, and staff, I will remain steadfast in our resolve to serve this city with the professionalism and to the standard our citizens deserve.
Together a safe, secure, healthy community
For more news, visit News | Saint John Police Force
