Mark Crowell sworn-in as new WRPS Chief

By Erin Anderson

There's officially a new police chief in town. Mark Crowell was sworn-in as the new head of the Waterloo Regional Police Service at a ceremony held on Thursday afternoon.

Crowell is a 22-year member of the service and the former deputy chief. 

“On behalf of all members of the Waterloo Regional Police Service, we want all of our citizens within Waterloo Region to know that we are listening,” said Crowell in his induction speech. “We are at the table with our sleeves rolled up, ready to do the work. Our hands are extended and we are asking for your support, for your partnership, and for your shared leadership. We are asking for your help to strengthen our society to make us better.” 

Crowell also acknowledged there's still work to be done when it comes to community policing and building trust.

“Make no mistake about it, in Waterloo Region — we serve all, and we do it with the utmost care and compassion and commitment to our citizens. Although we don't always get it right, and we will always fall short of that pinnacle of perfection, we will strive for excellence at every turn,” said Crowell. “If we continue to be honest, we know that tensions still exist. Among us, challenges remain unresolved. Some pieces of the puzzle to building [a] more cohesive, responsive, inclusive society … they still remain scattered.”

He added next year will mark the 50th anniversary for the organization.

“In the next era of the Waterloo Regional Police Service, we will strive to become the most efficient, innovative, and collaborative police service in Canada. These aren't just words, this is a commitment. While it's a tall order, our ambitions must be grand. Our citizens expect it. Our citizens deserve it,” said Crowell. 

Crowell was selected to be the 7th chief of the Waterloo Regional Police Service following a nationwide search to find Bryan Larkin's replacement.

Larkin retired from the post earlier this year as he was appointed Deputy Commissioner of Specialized Policing Services with the RCMP. Staff Superintendent John Goodman has served as acting chief in the interim.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today