The Hanover Police Board has renewed its contract with Chief of Police Chris Knoll.
He has signed on to be in the position until 2028.
Board Chair Selwyn Hicks says, “The Board is extremely pleased with Chief Knoll’s leadership of the service, his commitment to community policing and his dedication to the safety and well-being of our community members.¨
Knoll was appointed chief in 2015 after the retirement of Chief Tracy David.
Hicks tells Bayshore Broadcasting News, “Under his leadership, we enjoy, I would say, a really high level of community confidence and community support which is exactly what every police force wants. We want that community engagement.”
He points out Hanover has the highest community participation numbers in all of Southwestern Ontario in the recently locally launched CAMsafe program which encourages people with security cameras to add their contact information to a database in case police could use their help with an investigation.
A release from the police board points out some highlights during Knoll’s tenure that include the introduction of the Special Constable program, a calls for service and officer reporting review they say resulted in less paperwork for officers. There is also now a contracted psychotherapist to assist police members with managing their own mental health.
The board credits Knoll with a complete rewrite of the Hanover Police Service’s policies and procedures, and his support of the creation of a partnership between Hanover Police Service and the Canadian Mental Health Association – Mobile Mental Health Addictions and Response Team.
Knoll has also overseen the introduction of the bike patrol program and foot patrols in the downtown, parks and trails.
Other highlights according to the board include technology upgrades like I-Dispatch that allows officers to get dispatch details and report on calls for service from their onboard computer in their police cruisers, the introduction of digital evidence management systems, Automatic Licence Plate Reader technology and the expanded deployment of Tasers and Naloxone kits (to temporarily treat overdose) to all frontline police.
They also credit Knoll with cost control strategies they say have helped replenish reserves for future use.
They say, the local service has been ranked above provincial and national averages in clearance rates, and add, “Our Board looks forward to continuing to work with Chief Knoll and the members of the Hanover Police Service to ensure Hanover remains a safe, secure and healthy community for everyone to live, work and play.”