REGINA – Regina’s, and Saskatchewan’s, first female Chief of Police has officially been sworn in.
Lorilee Davies was officially installed Thursday as the 17th Chief of Police of the Regina Police Service. She was sworn in at a ceremony at Conexus Arts Centre, taking the oath of office administered by the Hon. Justice Lana Krogan of Court of Kings Bench.
The swearing in was witnessed by Davies’ family and by the many dignitaries, friends and supporters in the audience. Among those attending were several government and opposition MLAs including minister of Justice Tim McLeod and Minister of Public Safety Michael Weger, representatives from the City of Regina and Regina Fire Department, members of the Board of Police Commissioners, and many members of the Regina Police Service and others from the police community and elsewhere who were there for the historic occasion.
In speaking to reporters Davies said she felt “really humbled” and appreciative of the support from those who attended. She looks forward to now moving ahead with her duties as Police Chief.
“I think it’s kind of cool to put your own stamp on things, and so we’re thinking long-term, we’re thinking strategic, strategy, so that’s not something you can do an active role. So I am excited to move forward with our team and figure out what’s next“
She also hopes this will serve as inspiration for young women and girls who want to aspire to leadership roles.
“I hope that for all young women that they see that whatever their dream is that is attainable, and hopefully sort of breaking this barrier opens the doors for many other women in this community. Part of me hopes that some of them think that they should be applying to Regina Police Service because that would be fantastic.”
The actual swearing-in ceremonies made official what has been a reality for several months, as Davies has been in the role of Police Chief since Nov. 25.
Prior to that Davies had spent eight months as Acting Police Chief during the investigation and suspension, and eventual termination, of former Police Chief Farooq Sheikh for inappropriate conduct.
Now that the official installation in office is complete, Davies feels she can move ahead with her long term priorities for the police force.
“When you’re in an acting role you are making sure the lights are on and you’re doing things day to day,” said Davies. “But it really is now an opportunity for us to think longer-term how we can make substantive change improvements and really engage with the community moving forward.”
Davies’ installation caps a 29-year climb through the ranks of Regina Police Service, where she has worked in both the uniform and plainclothes divisions, and been a member of both the Public Safety and Crisis Negotiation teams. She had been the first female Deputy Chief of Police prior to becoming Police Chief, and in becoming Regina Police chief also becomes the first female municipal police chief in the province’s history.
The Regina Board of Police Commissioners selected Davies for the permanent role following an extensive search process. Mayor Chad Bachynski, who also serves as chair of the Board of Police Commissioners, had words of welcome for the new Police Chief.
“This is such an important and meaningful day for our City. It marks a moment of progress, of continuity and deep pride, and it marks the beginning of new chapter led by someone who commitment to Regina is not only proven but lived every single day.
Chief Davies brings three decades of experience to Regina Police Service. 30 years of showing up, stepping forward and leading with integrity. She has served in uniform and in investigative roles in community based units and human resource resource leadership, and in some of the most complex and high pressure situations our city has faced.
“From managing large scale protests and labour disputes to serving as a critical incident commander, she has demonstrated calm capable leadership when it’s mattered most. What has always stood out to me in the time that I’ve known her is not only her experience but her character. She’s built her career on relationships, on listening, on understanding the people she serves, and the people she works alongside.”
