Gregory Ridge takes over as chair of Kingston Police Services Board

The King's Town District City Councillor replaces the retiring Gail McAllister as chair.

There are a number of changes on the Kingston Police Services Board.

Gregory Ridge is now the chair of the board replacing the retiring Gail MacAllister. The appointment took effect on Jan 29 following the meeting of the board.

Ridge says he was asked by other members of the board to take over as chair.

He says he will be working with Police Chief Adam MacIntosh on matters concerning the police service.

Ridge is also a city councillor representing the King's Town district. He along with Mayor Bryan Paterson serve on the board on behalf of Council.

But also at the Jan 29 meeting, it was announced that Paterson is stepping away from the board. He will be replaced by Wendy Stephen as council representative.

Ridge explains the reasons behind this move.

Christian Leuprecht, a provincial representative on the board, will remain as a community representative after his term as a provincial appointee expired on Feb 1.

Policing has been in the news but it is not just about them protecting the community. Lately, issues involving front-line officers related to post-traumatic stress disorder, intimate partner violence, and others has raised public concerns about policing.

Ridge says as chair, he will work with MacIntosh to find ways to deal with these problems.

Ridge says he will also be working with the police chief on developing a strategic plan and address other systemic issues facing police officers.

Story by Ken Hashizume