Halifax Regional Police Chief to retire after more than 40 years of distinguished service

(Monday, April 16, 2012) – Halifax Regional Police Chief Frank Beazley today announced he will retire from his position at the end of September 2012. Chief Beazley made the announcement during the regular meeting of the HRM Board of Police Commissioners.

“It’s always hard to say good bye to someone who has been a pillar of leadership and respect in our community,” said Mayor Peter Kelly, “but we recognize that the demands of public service must eventually end to allow us to commit to personal priorities. Chief Beazley’s career exemplifies dedication to the greater good of our broader community, and on behalf of Council, we greatly appreciate his guidance and many accomplishments as Chief of Police.”

Chief Beazley began his distinguished career in April 1970 as a uniformed beat officer with the Halifax Police Department, where he steadily moved up through the ranks to become Chief of Police in 2003. He is a leader in the policing community across the country, serving an active role with the Nova Scotia Chiefs of Police Association and the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police. Chief Beazley served on committees that helped modernize and integrate policing within HRM, tackled organized crime and crime prevention, worked closely with the Mayor’s Task Force on Violence and held open house meetings in neighbourhoods throughout the region to learn more about community safety concerns. He is a recipient of the Police Exemplary Service Medal and Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal, and he is a member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces.

“I’ve enjoyed the privilege of serving the citizens of HRM for more than four decades, and the time is right for me to completely focus on the next chapter of life,” said Chief Beazley. “Leaving the force was a difficult decision that was made a bit easier by knowing I will now have more time to spend with my family, including my four grandchildren.”

“In the year that I have worked with the Chief, he has never failed to impress me with his knowledge and with his commitment to balancing enforcement with working at the community level to address the root causes of crime,” said HRM Chief Administrative Office Richard Butts. “I wish him well on his new journey.”

Chief Beazley said he is very proud of the people behind the force and their service, and he has every confidence in the future of police services in HRM. A national recruitment effort for a new leader of the region’s 522-member police force will begin immediately, with the intention of having someone in place before Chief Beazley’s departure.

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Contact:

Shaune MacKinlay
Manager, Public Affairs
490-6531

Cst. Brian Palmeter

Public Information Officer

Halifax Regional Police

490-5154