York Regional Police name service veteran Jim MacSween next police chief

Thestar.com
March 19, 2020
Jim Rankin

A veteran York Regional Police leader with 30 years of service and a “proven track record” in rank-and-file and senior roles has been chosen as the service’s next chief.

Jim MacSween, currently deputy chief in charge of the service’s support branch, was named Wednesday to replace outgoing chief Eric Jolliffe, who is set to retire April 30.

“Dept. Chief MacSween has the qualities of modern leadership,” Virginia Hackson, mayor of East Gwillimbury and chair of the Regional Municipality of York Police Services Board, said in a news release. “He performs at a high level, with integrity and commitment, and is the strong and supportive leader required to achieve successes over the next five years.”

MacSween has filled a number of roles during his career, including time in the criminal investigations and community service bureaus, as well as the hold-up squad. In leadership roles, he has served as officer in charge of two police districts.

“I feel privileged and honoured to have the opportunity to lead a forward-thinking organization that embraces technology, and is always looking for ways to improve,” MacSween said in the release.

“I want to thank the professional and highly dedicated women and men of York Regional Police for their ongoing commitment to the safety of our community, and to the health and well-being of our members.

“Lastly, I want to thank the York Regional Police Services Board for having the trust and confidence in choosing me as the next Chief of Police, and for their ongoing support to our organization.”

He declined a Star request for an interview Wednesday, saying via a police board spokesperson that he will not be speaking about his role as chief until he starts the job.

In an emailed statement to the Star, York Regional Police Association president Rob O’Quinn said MacSween is a “strong team-builder.”

MacSween has a bachelor’s degree in justice studies from the University of Guelph and took the police leadership program at the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. He also attended the Executive Strategic Management program at the Senior Management Institute for Police in Boston.

He volunteers his time with Special Olympics Ontario and is vice chair of the board of directors for St. John Ambulance, according to his online bio.

MacSween was appointed deputy chief in April 2019, and begins as chief May 1, overseeing 2,300 officers and civilian employees of the service. Jolliffe has been with the service for 39 years and was named chief in 2010. A retirement party remains scheduled for April 30.