Chief of Police, Cape Breton Regional Police Service

About the role

The Cape Breton Regional Police Service (CBRPS), one of only two full-service municipal police services in Nova Scotia, is recruiting a Chief of Police following the retirement of Chief Robert Walsh. The Service provides policing to about 96,000 residents across the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, Cape Breton County and the Membertou First Nation, with roughly 200 sworn officers and 30 civilian employees answering more than 80,000 calls for service each year. The Chief reports to the Cape Breton Regional Municipal Board of Police Commissioners and the Chief Administrative Officer and leads the Service's 230 members.

Key responsibilities

• Provide hands-on leadership and guidance to the Service's members.
• Ensure the Service continually assesses community needs and builds partnerships that advance community safety.
• Explore innovative approaches to addressing crime and disorder.
• Act as an engaged, visible member of the community, working with the Board, the CAO, Council, the Police Association, community organizations and other police organizations.
• Manage internal and external issues and relationships with superior judgment and openness to new ideas.
• Bring an overall vision for the Service, make it meaningful to all members and set priorities that turn the vision into daily practice.

Required profile

• Distinguished track record as a seasoned police executive with an innovative, business-oriented approach to delivering police services.
• Experience in a leadership role in a modern, progressive police service.
• Commitment to best practices in human resources and financial management.
• Enthusiastic, supportive and trusted leader with the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.

Applications are submitted online through the recruitment partner Odgers, ideally by November 23, 2026. The CBRM and CBRPS encourage applications from members of designated groups under employment equity principles.