New Barrie police chief sworn in, vows to prioritize officer wellness and community trust
Rich Johnston has been sworn in as the new chief of Barrie police.
Johnston takes over for former Chief Kimberley Greenwood, who passed the baton to him at a Change of Command ceremony attended by hundreds of people on Thursday afternoon.
Johnston has spent two decades patrolling the streets of Barrie and is well-positioned to lead the police service through the challenges it faces, including navigating the ongoing pandemic.
The new chief has set a goal of hiring an additional five officers in the new year to help strengthen the department's legitimacy and build trust with the community.
One of Johnston's main priorities will be the wellness of his officers, as he believes that for them to effectively protect the public, they must first be protected within the organization.
"It's honestly all about our member's wellness because if we want our people to be out there protecting the public, we need them protected in the organization as well," he said.
Johnston said he also recognizes the challenges facing policing at this time and aims to focus on building relationships and trust with the community through every interaction.
"I'm under no illusion that it's a rough time to be in policing. The women and men that are out there driving around, keeping our community safe are amazing people, but we need to be focused on police legitimacy in the community," he noted.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.