'Part of something special': London Police Services Board introduces newest deputy chief

The London Police Service has hired a third deputy chief, finding the newest member of their leadership team in Hamilton.

Police Services Board Chair Ali Chahbar introduced Hamilton Police Superintendent Treena MacSween as deputy chief designate for the London Police Service during a news conference on Thursday morning.

"When Deputy Chief Designate MacSween walked into the boardroom for her interview and after her first or second answer to our questions I recognized, and we recognized, that we were part of something special,” Chahbar told those gathered for the announcement at police headquarters.

MacSween has had a 26 year career in policing, working in Hamilton and Peel Region. She has led five different divisions in Hamilton, including being a lead in the development of the service's strategic plan. She is currently in charge of the field support division.

"I've been able to lead divisions that have not just sworn and civilian members as well and understanding the value they bring,” she said. “So I think having that perspective of the different areas that I've lead will help me hit the ground running."

That aligns with goals Chief Thai Truong has laid out.

The hiring comes on the heels of the police service receiving a record $672 million budget.

London Police Service Chief Thai Truong introduces Treena MacSween as the force's newest deputy chief in a news conference in London, Ont. on April 11, 2024. (Gerry Dewan/CTV News London) It has allowed Truong to add the third deputy after decades of having two, with one dealing with organizational issues and one handling administration, including overseeing the budget.

Truong has promised broad re-organization under what leadership has dubbed the ‘Safer City Initiative,’ and identified three core areas of responsibility.

"Community trust, organizational wellness and community safety. There's three major priorities, each deputy will have a priority,” he explained.

The appointment of MacSween in London also marks a historic moment for the London Police Service — she will be the first woman of colour to join the command team cadre.

Chahbar said that, along with her extensive administration experience, MacSween represents a commitment to diversity, becoming the highest-ranking Black female officer in Canada.

“We can't truly claim to have community policing unless the police service represents the community that it serves,” said Chahbar.

MacSween tapped into her Jamaican heritage as a foundation for her approach to police work.

"The national motto of Jamaica is ‘Out of many, one people.’ The meaning is, no matter what race, class, religion or gender we are all Jamaicans. For me, that saying exemplifies the London community, our membership and the leadership that has been assembled here,” she explained.

MacSween will be sworn in on April 22.