The Durham Regional Police Services Board yesterday announced that Toronto Police Service Superintendent Chris Kirkpatrick and former Acting Deputy Chief of the Toronto Police Service, Kim Yeandle, have been selected as the next Deputy Chiefs of Police of the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS).
They will assume their new roles effective January 9, 2024.
“Deputy Chief Designates Kirkpatrick and Yeandle are exemplary leaders who will have a significant and positive impact on policing in Durham Region,” said Board Chair Shaun Collier. “They bring over six decades of policing experience, and we know that that their knowledge and skills will help the DRPS address crime and safety issues and promote a positive, productive and inclusive workplace.”
The selection process was designed and executed to identify exceptional leaders to support Chief Moreira in continuing to build a modern, community-centric police service that earns the trust of the community. A thorough, national recruitment process was utilized, said a board statement.
“Supporting Chief Moreira and all members of the DRPS in pursuing policing excellence is a challenge that I will embrace passionately and deliberately,” stated Deputy Chief Designate Kirkpatrick. “Durham Region is experiencing tremendous growth and change I am eager to contribute my skills and knowledge to help keep our community as safe as possible.”
“I welcome this opportunity to assist Chief Moreira and the board in building partnerships and earning the trust of the community,” said Deputy Chief Designate Yeandle. “My constant focus will be collaboration with the membership and the community as we strive to enhance engagement, transparency, and accountability in fostering a safer community.”
“I extend a very enthusiastic and sincere welcome to Deputy Chief Designate Kirkpatrick and Deputy Chief Designate Yeandle as members of the DRPS Command Team,” said Chief Moreira. “Both of these outstanding police leaders will play an immediate and pivotal role in helping the DRPS address the community safety challenges we are experiencing today and that will appear on the horizon tomorrow.”
Interim Deputy Chief Joseph Maiorano will be retiring effective January 31, 2024.