Degraaf gets permanent promotion to chief
28-year veteran has set high standards of conduct for Windsor police officers
Five months after a temporary appointment to deputy chief of operational services for Windsor police, Karel Degraaf will now serve permanently in the upper management position.
Degraaf, a member of the Windsor Police Service for more than 28 years, was appointed to the temporary position — what was to be a six-month stint — in October 2023.
At the time, the Windsor Police Services Board said Degraaf would be supporting Frank Providenti, then-deputy chief of operations, in “addressing a series of crucial internal matters.”
Providenti was to continue in his role until March 29, 2024, to help with the transition.
A former superintendent, Degraaf has served in a variety of areas, including investigations, investigative support, property crimes, emergency services unit and the repeat offender parole enforcement (ROPE) squad.
He has overseen a number of “critical operations and projects” with the service since last October, the police services board said in a news release.
Since his temporary appointment last October, two Windsor officers have received demotion for discreditable conduct under the Ontario Police Services Act — both involving unwanted or inappropriate conduct.
His appointment took place Friday.
Following one of those officer demotions, Degraaf said in a statement in January: “The Windsor Police Service is committed to fostering a workplace that is respectful and free of harassment.
“We expect our members to conduct themselves professionally and to abide by our values and code of conduct. Members who fail to meet standards will be held accountable.”