WRPS board names John Goodman as acting chief

Tuesday's meeting of the Waterloo Regional Police Services Board came with long-awaited news on the interim replacement for Police Chief Bryan Larkin. Announcing his retirement in mid-April, Larkin will be taking on a new role as Deputy Commissioner in Specialized Policing Services with the RCMP – replacing the recently retired Stephen White.

As the search for a permanent replacement for Larkin continues, the board has announced that Staff Superintendent John Goodman has been appointed as Acting Chief of Police, effective July 4. A 27-year member of the Waterloo Regional Police Service, Goodman has served in a variety of roles and units including front-line policing, the Professional Standards Branch, the Homicide Unit, Neighbourhood Policing Divisional Leadership and more. 

Making the announcement on Tuesday, Chair of the Police Services Board Karen Redman spoke highly of Goodman, noting him to be well known in the community for developing positive relationships and partnerships, adding that the board is confident that Waterloo Region will be well served during the transitional period.

“Throughout his career with the Waterloo Regional Police Service, Staff Superintendent Goodman has supported the development and coordination of various youth programs, has been a champion for enhanced crisis management with the Integrated Mobile Police and Crisis Team (IMPACT) partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association, and has built and fostered meaningful relationships and partnerships with our community …” said Redman.

Chief Larkin noted that Goodman is one of the highest ranking members of the service at this time, already serving among the organization's executive leadership team and coordinating all neighbourhood policing. Noting the organization to be in a strong place economically and from an infrastructure standpoint, Larkin said they continue to innovate, expecting Goodman to continue that “steady course.”

“I'm very grateful that the board has selected Staff Superintendent Goodman.” said Larkin. “Not only is he a strong police leader, but he's an even better human – and he has done significant work in our community, and so I think he'll ensure that the organization is ready for whoever succeeds me on a permanent role …”

The board has also indicated that it engaged Boyden Canada, a “global talent and leadership advisory firm” to help find Chief Larkin's replacement shortly after news of his retirement last month, utilizing their services to conduct a nation-wide search for the region's next police chief. 

Chief Bryan Larkin will officially be leaving the service on July 3, with Goodman beginning his role as Acting Chief of Police effective July 4 – until a permanent Chief of Police is appointed.