Chief Robert Davis has advised the Brantford Police Services Board that he is moving on to pursue other opportunities where he will continue to positively impact public safety.
Effective May 1, 2024, Chief Davis began to transition responsibilities to current Deputy Chief Jason Saunders, who will serve as Interim Chief of Police.
Having joined the Brantford Police Service in September 2019, Chief Davis is the only Indigenous Chief in Ontario to have served with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous police services, then eventually leading a non-Indigenous police service.
Chief Davis officially leaves the Brantford Police Service, June 21, 2024, which is National Indigenous Peoples Day.
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Arriving at a time when Brantford was experiencing a high rate of fatal overdoses and a downtown with significant issues, Chief Davis lobbied for and promoted a stratified approach to public safety, with a push to utilize resources appropriate to the need, including municipal by-law enforcement officers, private security, and Special Constables.
This led to the creation of Special Constables to patrol the city’s downtown entertainment and education district.
The deployment of the Special Constables has received praise from many, including the Downtown Brantford Business Improvement Association, who have seen benefits from this approach to public safety.
This full story can be found on our content partner, The Brant Beacon.