Halifax police chief Dan Kinsella announces retirement

HALIFAX, N.S. — Halifax Regional Police Chief Dan Kinsella is retiring. He will be leaving the role on Sept. 15.

In a statement on Wednesday afternoon, Kinsella announced that he is retiring from policing after 37 years — and four years as HRP chief. 

“Serving as a police officer has been an incredible honour, and leading HRP in the role of chief has been a highlight of my career,” Kinsella told the Halifax Board of Police Commissioners on Wednesday shortly after the statement was released.

 “During this time, along with our incredible team at HRP and our partners, we have together faced many tough challenges, all the while striving to respond to calls for accountability and progressive change in policing. Through it all, our members served with patience and fortitude while demonstrating a commitment to learn and modernize as an organization.”

Kinsella has faced his share of criticism in his role, particularly for the police action during the protests when temporary shelters were removed in downtown Halifax in 2021, and from police members themselves. Last year, more than 96 per cent of those who voted, responded “no” to the question “I have confidence in Chief Daniel Kinsella’s ability to lead the Halifax Regional Police.”

Dean Stienburg, who was the Halifax Regional Police Association president at that time, said after the vote that police officers are frustrated with the staffing crisis, poor planning, lack of mental health supports and lack of funding for equipment police officers need.

Before joining HRP, Kinsella worked with the Hamilton Police Service for 33 years, leaving as deputy chief.

Halifax Board of Police Commissioners Chair Becky Kent thanked Kinsella for his service during the meeting on Wednesday.

“We know this is a big day in your life, it’s a big day in the municipality and it’s certainly a big day for our members who have been serving under you and our communities that will miss that leadership.”

She added that it was important to note that Kinsella led HRP through a tumultuous period over the past four years including the pandemic, global and local calls for change in policing accountability and significant tragedies.

“It’s been nothing but challenging,” she said.

Over his long career, Kinsella has been recognized for his work including with Queen’s Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Medals and the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers.

The search for the next chief will start this fall, Kent said, and an acting chief will be appointed by Sept. 15.

Kinsella told the commission that he has offered his “full support” for the transition and the search to find a successor.

“I’m confident that with the benefit of insights from recent studies and engagements, policing in HRM is well positioned to further evolve and lead the way,” Kinsella said.

While Kinsella didn’t speak to journalists on the way out of the meeting, Sgt. Darla Perry, current Halifax Regional Police Association president, said Kinsella has had a “trying time” as chief and wished him well in his retirement.

She was asked about the strong non-confidence vote and said association members are looking forward to working with the new appointed chief.

She added that the association didn’t know of the departure before Wednesday.