After almost 10 months without one, the Peterborough Police Service now has a new deputy chief, drawn from the ranks.
Police services board chair Mary ten Doeschate announced on Thursday (December 21) that Jamie Hartnett has been appointed to the position.
According to a media release, Hartnett joined the service in 2001 and has held positions in all ranks and divisions since that time, most recently as acting staff inspector.
“During his recent assignment as acting staff inspector, through his leadership and initiative, deputy designate Hartnett has demonstrated to the board that he is the best choice for the role of deputy chief and will support the board and Chief Betts in an effective and collaborative way as the Peterborough Police Service continues to work towards enhancing community relationships, public safety and the modernization of our police service,” reads the release.
Peterborough had been without a deputy police chief since March 1, when previous deputy chief Tim Farquharson departed the police service to become the new chief of the Port Hope Police Service. A month earlier, Farquharson had announced he was leaving the Peterborough Police Service after 36 years.
Farquharson’s departure came less than a month after Stuart Betts took on the role of chief, replacing Scott Gilbert who had unexpectedly retired in February 2021. Farquharson had previously been serving as acting chief until Betts was hired.
Hartnett will officially assume his new role on January 9.
“I am pleased to extend my congratulations to deputy chief designate Jamie Hartnett on his appointment, as well as my appreciation to the Peterborough Police Services Board for their continued support,” said Chief Betts in a statement.
“As a chief who is still relatively new to the organization, having joined in January 2023, the appointment of a deputy chief from within the organization will assist me to leverage organizational knowledge and history, while building a new and exciting future.”
“I have had the opportunity to work closely with deputy designate Hartnett this past year, and we will continue to work closely together to support the men and women of the Peterborough Police Service as well as the community.”
