2024 has been a year of transition for Chatham-Kent’s new police chief.
Kirk Earley took over the leadership position in mid-June, replacing the now-retired Gary Conn.
Earley has been with the local force since before amalgamation, and says having worked in so many departments over the years, assuming the Chief’s role felt like a natural transition.
“When it comes to creating good morale and a positive environment and looking at policy and procedures, all of those things kind of go hand in hand,” Earley says. “We all have a job here, and we’re all equals, it’s just different levels of responsibility that come with each job.”
Earley says learning the ins and outs of Ontario’s new Community Safety and Policing Act is an ongoing process with the new policy replacing almost 30-year-old legislation. Earley says he and the Police Service Board will be working closely with Ontario’s Inspector General of Policing, Ryan Teschner over the next several months to ensure the local service is providing adequate and effective policing.
Chief Earley had a number of priorities for the police service when he was sworn in, including working on improving the mental health of officers and front line staff, as well as communication with the community as a whole.
“We’re not good at selling ourselves and showing the public all the different amazing things we do every day because it’s just kind of natural to us.”
Looking ahead to the new year, local police will be focusing on ongoing issues that affect the community as a whole.
Chatham-Kent Police officers have been performing more property cheques in recent months, which Earley says have helped lead to a 30% reduction in property crimes. Other areas of concern include mental health, homelessness, and substance abuse, challenges facing communities across the province.
“Looking at how we’re doing this now and can we change it, how do we change it, how do we enhance things,” Earley explains. “It’s always about progress over perfection.”
Earley says he hopes to continue to build bridges and foster understanding in 2025, and create a community where everyone feels valued and protected.
