Search For New Chief Should Be Complete ‘Soon’

The process continues to find the next person to lead the Saint John Police Force.

Stephan Drolet resigned as chief in late February after less than a year on the job, citing “personal reasons.”

Members of the Saint John Police Commission immediately launched a search for Drolet’s replacement.

During Tuesday’s monthly police commission meeting, chair Ed Keyes would only say the process should be complete “soon.”

“I can’t share any details at this time,” Keyes said when asked for an update on the search.

Drolet joined the force on Feb. 24, 2020, after 27 years with the RCMP, most recently serving as British Columbia’s deputy criminal operations officer.

Tony Hayes, who was named deputy chief in late October, was appointed acting chief following Drolet’s resignation.

The Saint John Police Commission is working with third-party consulting firm Organization Consulting Limited (OCL) to help find the chief’s replacement. The same consulting firm was used during the search for Drolet.

In searching for Drolet’s replacement, the city said it is seeking a “collaborative and visionary policing professional” to lead the city’s police force.

The successful candidate must have a track record of “effectively leading change, solving problems creatively and mentoring future leaders,” according to the job posting.

“You will drive continuous improvement to optimize police services to meet the changing needs of the community,” it said.

“You will work closely with the Board and the senior management team to lead the organization to be innovative; develop the relationship between Board and staff; and enhance collaboration to build a climate of transformation.”

The new chief will lead a force of around 150 members with a budget of $26 million. In return, they will get a salary of between $149,796 and $157,380.