‘Quality’ candidates reviewed for chief

Saskatoon police board offers few details to maintain ‘confidential process’

The chair of the Saskatoon board of police commissioners says she’s impressed with the “reach and quality” of the applicants to become the city’s next police chief.

Darlene Brander said the process to replace Clive Weighill remains on track for an announcement in 2018.

“We’re confident we will find the next chief in the applicant pool,” she said.

Brander declined to reveal much else about the process, including how many have applied or how many will be shortlisted. Candidates from within the Saskatoon Police Service have applied, as well as others from across Canada, she said.

“We just want to make sure it’s a confidential process that respects the applicants’ privacy,” she said.

The deadline for applications was Oct. 6. When Weighill was hired in 2009, the board received 22 applications and whittled that down to a shortlist of four.

Weighill was employed as Regina’s deputy chief when he was hired for the top job in Saskatoon. He won the job over Saskatoon’s deputy chief at the time, Keith Atkinson. Atkinson had been appointed acting chief after the departure of former chief Russ Sabo, whose contract was not renewed.

Saskatoon’s current deputy chief, Mark Chatterbok, has been appointed acting chief until a replacement is hired. Chatterbok declined to answer earlier this month when asked if he was applying for the permanent appointment.

Brander said more than 200 residents responded to a request by the board for public input into the attributes they want to see in the next chief. The consensus emerged that people want a chief who can motivate staff, earn the trust of residents and communicate effectively, Brander added.

The police board, which is responsible for hiring the new chief, includes Brander, Carolanne Inglis-McQuay, Coun. Darren Hill, Coun. Mairin Loewen and Mayor Charlie Clark. Two additional board members will be added in 2018, meaning unelected residents will hold a 4-3 majority.

The reach and quality (of applicants is impressive.) We’re confident we will find the next chief in the applicant pool.