Durham police welcome new Chief at a Change of Command ceremony

DAN CEARNS, The Standard

DURHAM: A new police chief has officially taken the reigns as Durham Regional Police Service’s top cop.

A change of command ceremony was held in Ajax, on Friday, March 24th. The event included: new police chief Peter Moreira taking his oaths of secrecy and office; the signing of the Change of Command Scroll, by new Chief Moreira and retiring Chief Todd Rollauer; a smudging ceremony, performed by the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation; and speeches from delegates.

“I’m so proud and humbled to be appointed the ninth Chief of the Durham Regional Police Service, and to lead a group of such dedicated and compassionate public servants,” Chief Moreira said.

Chief Moreira listed earning the trust of the community, building strategic partnerships, continuing to modernize the Durham police force, road safety, and work on guns and gang crimes as his priorities as Chief.

“We will continue to be progressive and innovative,” he promised. “Data, analytics and the advancement of technology are crucial for police services to embrace.”

Regional Chair, John Henry stated, his full trust in the incoming police chief.

“I know you will serve our vibrant communities with exemplary leadership and commitment.”

He also thanked outgoing Chief Todd Rollauer for the work he’s done, leading the local police service.

“Under your leadership, our communities benefited immensely. You have played a pivotal role in the adoption of Durham Region’s first Community Safety and Wellbeing plan,” Chair Henry said. “You have also advocated for system change, to tackle the escalation of gun crime in Durham Region, and worked to keep impaired drivers off regional roads through the annual festive RIDE campaign. Chief Rollauer, you have worked tirelessly to keep the residents of Durham Region safe, and your contributions cannot be [overstated].”

Battling through emotions, the outgoing Chief addressed his colleagues one last time.

“As I stand here today before you, I am humbled, excited, and obviously emotional, but with great pride as I deliver my final address as Chief of the Durham Regional Police Service,” Chief Rollauer said.

He added, being Chief allowed him to “live out a childhood dream,” and throughout his time in the role “that fact was never lost on [him].”

Chief Moreira previously served as a Toronto Police Service Staff Superintendent.