POLICE ADD LEADERSHIP
Deputy chiefs introduced
There’s new leadership at Windsor Police Service with the announcement of the organization’s new deputy chiefs: Brad Hill and Pam Mizuno.
The two veteran officers were congratulated on their promotions at a meeting of the WPS board on Tuesday afternoon.
“It’s important for us, as a board, to look at succession planning for this organization,” said Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens.
“The board believes that we have some great talent in place today.” Dilkens said Hill and Mizuno were chosen after a lengthy selection process that included extensive interviews and analyses. Hill will lead the operations side of Windsor police while Mizuno will lead operational support. Mizuno is the first woman to rise to the rank of deputy chief with WPS — but the mayor downplayed the distinction.
“In the board’s perspective, it really didn’t matter,” Dilkens said. “What we were looking for was the best possible candidate.” Meanwhile, there’s still no timeline on replacing the organization’s top role: chief of Windsor police. An extension on Chief Al Frederick’s contract ends after June 2019. Dilkens said Tuesday that the recruitment process for Frederick’s successor has yet to begin.
Deputy Chief Brad Hill (Operations) 34 years with Windsor police
■ Detective in Major Crimes
■ Branch Expertise in search warrants and
■ hostage negotiations Sergeant positions in drug
■ enforcement and criminal intelligence Command role with drugs and
■ guns unit (DIGS)
As inspector, oversaw restructuring
■ of all investigative and investigative support units Improved operational plans and
■ management of major investigations
“I’m ecstatic with this promotion. I have a passion for the profession of policing ... We have the opioid crisis, which is an ongoing challenge in our community and our downtown core. The legalization of marijuana is going to be a challenge both internally and externally. And I look forward to us policing Amherstburg.”
Deputy Chief Pam Mizuno (Operational Support)
■ 24 years with Windsor police 16 years as constable
■ Sergeant position in patrol
■ response Staff Sergeant with drugs and
■ guns unit (DIGS) First female superintendent
■ with WPS Leadership role in three-year
■ WPS human rights project Involved in review of WPS
■ sexual assault investigation process
“I’m very proud to be the first female deputy chief ... I joined policing to serve the community. I was very excited about being a patrol officer — I loved patrol, and I loved working the streets. When I first started, I didn’t see this in my future. It’s an exciting opportunity.”
It’s important for us, as a board, to look at succession planning for this organization.