Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS), Chief of Police Paul Martin, has informed the DRPS Board of his intention to retire, after more than 30 years of dedicated service.
Chief Martin will remain in his role until September.
“Chief Martin has fulfilled his leadership role with the DRPS with excellence and ensured that superior police services were provided to the citizens of our region for the last six years,” said Kevin Ashe, Chair of the Durham Regional Police Services Board.
“He has fostered and nurtured partnerships with religious, cultural and racial communities across Durham Region to strengthen equity and inclusion in police practices. He led the implementation of Durham Connect to address high risk cases to community safety and wellbeing, and the program is now regarded as a model across the Province,” said Ashe.
“A host of continuous improvement initiatives were introduced during his tenure to ensure greater efficiency and effectiveness in DRPS programs and services. And the leadership cadre of the Police Service is more diverse than ever,” he added.
The Career
Chief Martin began his career with the DRPS in 1990. He gained experience in a variety of operational and administrative units, including Tactical Support, Nuclear Security and Human Resources. He has been an active volunteer in the community, coaching youth sports and serving on the Board of Directors of the John Howard Society of Durham Region and as past President of the Durham Children’s Aid Society.
Appointed Deputy Chief in 2012, he was selected as Chief of Police in 2014 and reappointed to that role in 2018.
“I aspired to be a police officer since high school,” said Chief Martin. “To retire as Chief of Police of this outstanding police service is an immense privilege, but it is also difficult. However, the timing is right for myself and my family. I am honoured to have had this leadership opportunity, and I am so proud of the men and women of the DRPS who serve our community daily with courage, care, and integrity.”
“Chief Martin earned a reputation as an agent of change, and his legacy will endure through innovative and evidence-based practices being embedded into the organization’s fabric,” added Chair Ashe. “The Board extends to Chief Martin its profound gratitude and wishes him all the best in his future endeavors.”
The board will appoint an interim Chief of Police upon Chief Martin’s departure, and begin a comprehensive selection process over the coming months to choose the next Chief of Police.
The DRPSs Board is the civilian governing body of the police service. Its responsibilities include establishing objectives for policing in consultation with the Chief of the Police, setting policies for the effective management of the police service, and hiring and monitoring the performance of the Chief of Police.
The board consists of seven members, three appointed by the Province of Ontario and four chosen by Regional Council.
Regional Chair Henry thanks Chief Martin
John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer for The Regional Municipality of Durham, said: On behalf of Durham Regional Council, I would like to thank Chief Martin for his service. I have appreciated his strong leadership and professionalism; leading a team of officers who work hard to keep our communities safe.
“Under his leadership, Chief Martin has taken steps to help modernize policing in Durham Region. Recently, he made a commitment to our residents by introducing new measures and approaches to enhance the service. We look forward to starting this new journey; finding innovative ways to further protect those who live and work in our region.
“I wish Chief Martin a long and healthy retirement—the best is yet to come,” Henry added.
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