Cameron McBride named Saskatoon’s new police chief

The Saskatoon Board of Police Commissioners has announced that Saskatoon Police Service Deputy Chief Cameron McBride will be assuming the role of Chief of Police.

McBride has been a member of the Saskatoon Police Service since 1997. Throughout his 27 years in policing, he has risen through the ranks and has now made his way to the top.

The search for a new Chief began in early 2024 when former Chief Troy Cooper announced his retirement.

A nationwide search was conducted to find Cooper’s replacement.

As the process of selecting a new Chief began, external policing and community partners as well as Saskatoon Police Service staff were consulted.

Chair of the Saskatoon Board of Police Commissioners Shirley Greyeyes said it was important to include the community in the search for a new Chief.

“We know that it’s very important that you have a leader that you are connected to,” said Greyeyes. “And who will always recognize you as important people.”

Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark said the community consultation process was very valuable.

“It was a powerful exercise to spend the time to talk to people to understand and think about their visions and their ideas for policing,” said Clark. “We all know policing is not getting easier, it’s getting harder.”

Several candidates from within the Saskatoon Police Service were considered, as well as applicants from other police services across Canada. The Board eventually chose McBride as the right person for the job.

Cam McBride at police headquarters on April 12, 2023. (650 CKOM file photo)

McBride said he’s fallen in love with policing during his 27-year career and is looking forward to stepping into this new role.

“To have the opportunity to lead in a way that I believe is best with everyone’s help… the ability to come to a shared understanding of what community needs, it’s a great opportunity,” he said.

McBride said he never imagined he would become chief, but one conversation early this year changed his mind.

“I had a really good conversation with my wife,” said McBride. “When the opportunity was presenting itself I was challenged with ‘If not you, then who?’ and I looked at myself and thought ‘Well I do have lots of experience and I do have lots of support.'”

McBride said he admires the work done by past chiefs of the Saskatoon Police Service.

“I believe that Clive Weighill left a legacy of building into communities and building a relationship with communities,” said McBride. “Troy Cooper took that to the next level.”

McBride’s new role will begin May 16, for a five-year term.

–With files from CKOM’s Will Mandzuk