Cobourg’s newly appointed police chief says visibility, community engagement and public safety will be among his immediate priorities as he begins leading the Cobourg Police Service.
Chief Chris Leather was formally introduced Thursday following a six-month recruitment process that saw the Cobourg Police Service Board review 25 applications before narrowing the field to six finalists.
Board chair Adam Bureau said the board’s goal was to find a leader who reflected the priorities identified by both the board and the community.
Leather joins the Cobourg Police Service following a 36-year policing career that included service with York Regional Police and the RCMP. During his remarks, he emphasized the importance of connecting directly with residents and community organizations.
Leather said policing today requires more than simply responding to calls for service, noting the importance of trust, accountability and partnerships.
One of his early priorities will be developing strategies focused on community safety, public spaces and repeat offender management.
Leather also noted his family’s longstanding connection to Cobourg and confirmed he and his wife plan to move into the community.
Leather officially assumes leadership of the service following the retirement of Chief Paul VandeGraaf, with Deputy Chief Jeff Haskins also preparing to retire later this year.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
