‘All about people’: Saskatoon police chief retires

After more than four decades as a police officer Clive Weighill has figured out what it’s all about, “It’s a people business.”

Saskatoon’s chief of police hung up his hat on Friday, as he embarks on holidays before his retirement officially starts on Oct. 1.

Weighill has headed the department in the bridge city since Sept. 1, 2006.

He said it was a bittersweet day but he’s looking forward to the next chapter.

“I’m a car enthusiast, I’d like to buy myself a 1956 Crown Victoria that’s kind of my favorite car,” Weighill said.

The only concrete plans Weighill has for the future right now are a couple vacations and moving to Regina to be closer to his grandchildren and family.

He’s not ruling out a bit more work “I would like to do some consulting in the future, I think I can talk a little bit on leadership and change management and maybe relationship building.” Weighill said.

According to Weighill, things have changed a lot since his career began in 1975.

“The biggest change I see in policing right now and with police officers is the world around us you know we have a lot more cosmopolitan atmosphere here in Saskatoon,” said Weighill. “Social media has really made a big difference in everybody’s life now with instant news everywhere.”

The best attributes a police officer can have according to Weighill is being able to talk to people, to understand and have some empathy.

“I get a lot of phone calls here from people pleased with our response and it’s not because we’re solving their crime,” he said. “It’s because the way they’re treated by a police officer that impresses them.”

The board of police commissioners is working on finding a replacement for the chief who has been at the helm for 11 years.

Weighill said the best piece of advice he can give to his successor is to take advantage of every chance to work with the community.