Windsor announces new top cop

By James Zimmerman

Oct. 12 2012

New Chief

Windsor Police Services Oct. 11 had announced their new chief of police and it’s a familiar face.

Al Frederick, 51, has been selected as the new chief and will start full-time duty immediately. Frederick, a 28 year veteran of the force, has been acting chief since December 2011 after Gary Smith retired earlier the same month. Smith retired amid allegations of criminal activity and Police Act violations by senior officers.

Frederick said he is “honored and humbled” by this appointment.

“We share a vision for the future, and I am humbled by the awesome opportunity to work alongside all members of our service and our community,” said Frederick.

Six candidates were considered for the position. Mayor Eddie Francis said the decision was based on which candidate was able to best propose and implement an action plan for the organization.

“Senior command drilled it home for me. That passion we hear these guys talk about has been that way throughout the entire ranks of this organization,” said Francis.

“That’s something that is unique and I feel and the (WPS) board feels really good about the future of this organization.”

In another press conference later that afternoon, Windsor’s new deputy chiefs were introduced. Windsor Police Superintendent Vince Power and Essex OPP Detachment Commander Rick Derus will share deputy chief duties.

Some people at the press conference were critical of the new police chief because he was deputy chief during Smith’s time in command. Police board vice-chair Toni Scislowski, however, affirmed the board’s confidence in their decision.

“We (the police board) were looking for a candidate who was a really strong leader,” said Scislowski. “We were fortunate the best candidate was in our own backyard.”

During his time as acting chief, Frederick and the WPS have decreased incidents of excessive force by officers by 60 per cent year-to-date over 2011. Reports of assaults and resisting police have decreased 71 per cent year-to-date compared to the five year average, injured officer incidents have decrease 33 per cent compared to the five year, year-to-date average and has reduced conflict with officer complaints reported by members of the public by 35 per cent year to date.

 

Cutline: Al Frederick (left) is announced Windsor’s new police chief at a press conference Oct. 11at Windsor Police Services Headquarters with Mayor Eddie Francis. (PHOTO BY/James Zimmerman)