THUNDER BAY – Thunder Bay’s police force is seeking input from the public as it searches for a new police chief.
The new hire will replace chief Sylvie Hauth, who has been suspended amid allegations of misconduct, and also announced her intention to retire next year.
The survey will be available online until Sept. 16.
In a statement Friday, the Thunder Bay Police Services Board said the results will “help determine the leadership qualities, experience, and qualifications that the public feels will be required.”
The board is currently overseen by outside administrator Malcolm Mercer, appointed to act in its place amid internal dysfunction.
The survey solicits open-ended answers to the following questions:
- From your perspective, what are the issues and challenges facing the Thunder Bay Police Service today and over the next 2-3 years in terms of management and service to the community?
- Within that context, what should be the priorities for the new Chief?
- What skills, qualities and experience should we be looking for in the new Chief?
The survey is being administered by Odgers Berndston, a firm hired by the board to assist with recruitment. A board spokesperson said there were measures in place to guard against multiple responses from the same user.
The work of an expert panel appointed to review policing in the city will also inform the search process for the next chief, the board said.
Mercer took the step of suspending Hauth in June, days after it was learned she will face misconduct hearings under the Police Services Act for allegedly misleading the board.
Dan Taddeo is currently serving as interim chief of police.
Some municipal and police leaders have suggested the force should strongly consider hiring a chief from outside of the force – a perspective also reflected in public consultations prior to the hiring of Hauth, a career TBPS officer, in 2018.
