Saskatoon Police Service veteran Cam McBride introduced as new chief

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The next chief of the Saskatoon Police Service says he feels the “weight of responsibility” as he prepares to shift into the role of the city’s top officer.

After what board of police commissioners chair Shirley Greyeyes called an “extremely rigorous” search, Cam McBride was introduced Friday as the new SPS chief.

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A member of the service for nearly three decades who most recently held the title of deputy chief of operations, McBride this week signed a five-year contract. His first official day as chief is May 16.

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“Now that this opportunity is here, I guess in a way it’s surreal but I do feel the weight of responsibility,” McBride said on Friday at police headquarters during his introductory press conference

McBride has been in the force since 1997, rising in the ranks and “taking on increasingly more complex roles and responsibilities along the way,” the board said.

The new chief said he will immediately look inwards, adding that he’s amazed every day at the work Saskatoon’s police officers do.

“It will not be me, it will be us,” he said.

“I know that I am not alone.”

He sees daily the professionalism, dedication and hard work of the staff and that “we need to really bolster” their opportunities, he said, adding that the force is “obligated to give them the best training, the best environment, the best support” to ensure they are the best members of the community they can be, both on and off duty.

Greyeyes said the job search was open for a month and included local and national candidates.

“We believe the interest we received is a testament to the reputation our police service has of being a forward thinking and innovative organization,” she said.

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According to Greyeyes, McBride demonstrated “both through his achievements in his 27-year policing career and through this recruitment process … his exceptional leadership skills, an ability to think strategically, and an absolute commitment to upholding the principles of justice and public service in our community.”

The board said McBride has built strong relationships with front-line community organizations and shown excellence in leading teams.

This sentiment was echoed by Mayor Charlie Clark, during his remarks. Clark said Saskatoon is undergoing some major changes at it becomes a more diverse city and that the chief of police needs to be a “unicorn” in that they need to have the ability to manage operations while also building bridges with the community.

“That’s not an easy thing to do,” he said.

The date for his formal swearing-in is likely to be in June, though an official date will be announced soon.

Former chief Troy Cooper’s last official day was Jan. 16. Following Clive Weighill, Cooper was appointed police chief in January 2018 after serving more than 31 years with the Prince Albert Police Service, including six as its chief. Last March, Cooper signed a contract extension that was set to carry through until Dec. 31, 2025. Instead, he announced his retirement late last year.

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Cooper, who had a heart attack last April, said his health was among the factors in his decision to step down.

Acting Deputy Chief Dave Haye was named interim chief last September.

Greyeyes said the board is “particularly thankful” to Haye, “who stepped into the role of chief of police without hesitation.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you. We can’t say that enough. Two little words that mean so much,” Greyeyes added.

Regina and Prince Albert‘s police chiefs have also departed recently. Regina appointed Farooq Hassan Sheikh, who started in the chief’s job on Dec. 1, while Patrick Nogier was sworn in as Prince Albert police chief in November. Before moving to Prince Albert, Nogier served in Saskatoon as superintendent in charge of the criminal investigations division.

— With StarPhoenix files from Michael Joel-Hansen

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