Chatham-Kent police is looking for a new deputy chief.
Newly sworn-in Police Chief Kirk Earley told CK News Today his four police inspectors will get a crack at the job.
Chief Earley said Inspectors Matthew Stezycki, Mike Domony, Michael Pearce, and Jason Chickowski will each be acting deputy chiefs for two months starting July 1, 2024 until a competition for a permanent deputy chief starts in the new year.
"They'll get a crack at it and showcase their skill set and see if they want to move into the role someday," said Chief Earley.
Earley was appointed to his new role by the police board, but explained he would have respected the board's decision to search for a new chief if that was their desire.
"The board's responsibility and the chief's responsibility is to have a really good succession plan in place. And being a mid-sized organization, making sure that you are promoting your people is huge," the new chief said.
Other Chatham-Kent police chiefs in recent memory have also been appointed by the police services board.
Chief Earley also said former police chief Gary Conn had a succession plan and he will as well for his replacement when the time comes.
Chief Earley noted CK police (CKPS) is getting ready for a large recruiting class in about four years when the large class of 1998 is eligible to retire.
He noted CKPS keeps recruiting, adding six cadets just came back from the police college and another 10 are currently there.
"We anticipate by the end of September or October, we're supposed to have 24 officers in each platoon, we'll be at that number. We haven't been at that number for three years," Earley said.
The chief also said he's happy with the new Experienced Officer Incentive Program that offered $30,000 to each veteran officer that joined CKPS, saying the program attracted at least three new officers with the potential for more.
When it comes to rumours or the perception of nepotism at CK police because there are many personnel with the same surname, Chief Earley said there's a nepotism policy to ensure hiring is fair and at the end of the day the best and most qualified candidate is hired.
He also noted recent retirements by long tenured officers is a natural progression and sometimes it's just time to retire after a long career.
Chief Earley also thanked his predecessor, saying ex-chief Gary Conn left the CK police service in great shape and setup for success.