THUNDER BAY – Thunder Bay has a new acting Chief of Police and new acting Deputy Chief of Police. The moves come following the issues with Chief of Police J.P. Lesveque.
The Chair of the Police Services Board, Jackie Dojack stated in a written media release, “On behalf of the members of the Thunder Bay Police Services Board, I am pleased to announce that effective immediately, Deputy Chief Sylvie Hauth has been appointed Acting Chief of Police. We are also pleased to announce that Inspector Don Lewis has been appointed Acting Deputy Chief of Police.
“These appointments mean that the continuity of strong leadership is ensured.
“Acting Chief Hauth and Acting Deputy Lewis share the Board’s confidence in the men and women of the Thunder Bay Police Service. We are dedicated to the challenges which lay ahead”.
The Thunder Bay Police Service and the Thunder Bay Police Services Board are both under investigation. The OIPRD is investigating allegations of “systemic racism” and the Police Services Board is being investigated over what Nishnawbe-Aski Nation says are failures in following proper procedures.
After two earlier media statements issued under Board Vice Chair and Thunder Bay City Councillor Brian McKinnon, today’s statement by the Chair of the Police Services Board appears to be attempting to strike some needed balance.
Dojack states, “As yesterday’s Unity and Prayer March underlined, this is a time for unity.The Thunder Bay Police Services Board believes that there is strength in unity, respect and compassion.”
