New deputy chief rose through the ranks over two decades
There’s a new deputy police chief in town, and he’s a familiar face.
The Ottawa Police Services Board announced Wednesday it had selected Uday Jaswal as the force’s new deputy chief for the Ottawa Police Service.
The Ottawa native has served as a police officer for 23 years, most recently as deputy chief with the Durham Regional Police Service.
Before that, Jaswal spent 21 years with the Ottawa police, where he rose to the rank of superintendent.
In a statement to officers, Police Chief Charles Bordeleau said Jaswal’s proven leadership and combination of operational, investigative and community policing experiences with two Ontario police services make him a good fit for the role.
“I am very pleased with the board’s decision and I am very much looking forward to having Uday as a member of the OPS executive command, to help support our membership and to work with the community on keeping Ottawa safe,” said Bordeleau.
In a statement also sent to all officers, police services board chair Eli El-Chantiry said Jaswal is the perfect candidate to support the police service’s rapidly changing community safety needs.
“When the board began its national search for a new deputy chief, we were committed to finding the best candidate for the job. We needed a highly experienced, respected and effective law enforcement leader,” said El-Chantiry. “The board is confident that Uday reflects all of the necessary qualities to help lead one of the most respected police services in North America.”
Jaswal, who is replacing outgoing deputy chief Steve Bell, is the first person of colour to be on the executive.
He will be sworn in at the board’s regular meeting on Sept. 24.