A veteran York Regional police officer has been tapped to become London's new deputy chief.
The London Police Services Board announced Friday that Superintendent Stuart Betts will take over the post from Steve Williams, who has been promoted to chief.
“Deputy Chief Designate Betts has an impressive policing resume with significant leadership and innovation experience and has been the champion of business intelligence at York Regional Police Service," Police Board Chair Mo Salih said in a statement. "His enthusiasm, wealth of knowledge, and experience will make him an asset to the London Police Service and our community."
Betts began his policing career with the York Regional Police Service in 1997. Prior to becoming a superintendent, Betts served in the uniform patrol, community oriented response, criminal investigations, support services, real time operations centre, strategic services, and executive services. He has been overseeing more than 250 officers as York Region's Commander-in-Charge of policing in the City of Vaughn.
The married father of one son holds a master's degree in business administration from the University of Fredericton and a bachelor of arts degree from York University.
“I am grateful and honoured that the London Police Services Board has selected me for the position of Deputy Chief of the London Police Service," said Betts. "I look forward to working alongside Chief Designate Williams and Acting Deputy Chief McIntyre, in support of the men and women of the London Police to ensure the safety and well-being of London’s communities.”
Betts will take over the role on July 15.
This is the third shake-up among the city's top police brass this week.
On Wednesday, it was announced that Williams would take over the helm for current Chief John Pare when he retires on June 19. Williams indicated at the time he would lay out his vision for the force, which includes "firm ideas" to modernization the service and focus on member care, once the new leadership team was in place.
Two days before the Williams announcement, the police board appointed Acting Inspector Trish McIntyre to acting deputy chief. Replacing Deputy Chief Daryl Longworth, who will be leaving London to become the Chief of Police in Woodstock in the fall, McIntyre is the first woman to hold the deputy police position.
