AFTER more than 30 years of service to the City of New Westminster, Chief Constable Dave Jansen on Tuesday announced his retirement effective June 28. Jansen assumed the role of Chief Constable in June 2020.

“The Board hired Chief Jansen based on his extensive policing experience but also for his strong reputation as a leader, and his strength in building relationships to address some of the root causes of crime,” said Patrick Johnstone, Mayor and Police Board Chair. “We are confident in saying he will be greatly missed not only by the Board, but by the many organizations he has been partnering with over the years to achieve the Board’s mission of modernizing community safety, investing in our people, and listening to the residents of New Westminster.”

During his four years as Chief Constable, Jansen steered the New Westminster Police Department through periods of change including the decriminalization, the COVID-19 pandemic, and calls for police reform, all of which resulted in notable changes for the department. Under his leadership, the police department prioritized staff wellness, setting the bar for officer safety during the COVID-19 pandemic with a groundbreaking deployment model. This deployment model reduced the risk for officers and ensured continuity of police resources. Additionally, Jansen oversaw the department join new integrated teams, and the creation of the NWPD Communications Operations Centre.

“I have genuinely enjoyed my time at the New Westminster Police Department, working alongside so many dedicated staff,” said Jansen. “We’re here to serve the residents of our community and that’s what our job is – it’s one of service.”

The Police Board is now in the process of identifying and appointing a successor who will continue the work started by Jansen and further build on improving the New Westminster Police Department.