By: Surjit Singh Flora
The Peel Regional Police Service Board unanimously passed a resolution this past weekend to elect a new chair.
Local resident Ron Chatha, a major community supporter and current vice-chair of the board, was elected to the top spot this past weekend during their regular meeting.
Chatha is a noted organizer and volunteer, serving as a current member of the Peel Children’s Aid Foundation and participation on Brampton’s Committee of Adjustment and School Traffic Safety Committee, among other responsibilities.
Speaking to media outlets after the meeting, Chatha said that although he has only one year of experience working on the Police Services Board, he was excited by the new opportunity.
Chatha said that “there is a very good form of coordination between the Peel Police Chief and the Police Board” at present, which has resulted in an increased community presence and forward-thinking priorities.
“I look forward to an exciting year ahead,” said Chatha, “as we work collaboratively with my colleagues on the board, the Chief and the police service to ensure (officers) are provided with the tools and support they need.”
Regarding the rising trend of violence in Peel Region, he said the recruitment of 35 new police officers was the right step in this direction.
Welcoming the recently received $20.5 million in funding to Peel Police announced last Friday, he said that both the force and the Police Services Board are committed to ending gun and gang violence in Peel Region.
Support for victims dealing with mental health issues has also increased in recent days, with Peel Police organizing a mobile task unit to support residents dealing with such issues.
According to Chatha, the police board will decide in the coming days how many deputy chiefs are needed by the police force and steps will be taken to meet that need. There are currently four deputy chiefs on the force.
