John Bates appointed Saint John Police Force's new chief

Saint John has a new police chief.

The appointment of John Bates, who is currently the chief of police in Stratford, Ont., was officially announced during Tuesday night's council meeting.

Bates brings 30 years of policing experience and a wide range of skills to his new role, which takes effect on Nov. 9, said Nicole Paquet, chair of the Saint John Board of Police Commissioners.

"When we went through the process, we were very impressed with Chief Bates and as a commission, we passed this appointment unanimously," she told city council.

Bates replaces former chief Bill Reid, who retired at the end of April after 37 years of service, including seven years at the helm.

"I am honoured to have been chosen to lead the Saint John Police Force," Bates said in a statement.

The organization has a storied history and it is going to be a privilege to be part of its future.- John Bates

"The organization has a storied history and it is going to be a privilege to be part of its future," he said.

"My wife, Sandy, and I are very much looking forward to joining the Saint John community."

Reid's term as chief of the Saint John Police Force was marked by budgetary stress and an occasionally testy relationship with city council, which he expected would continue under the new chief.

"He or she will have those type of challenges as well," Reid had said.

Saint John Mayor Mel Norton has previously said the new chief should be someone who "restores a level of confidence" in the budget management of the police force.

The Saint John Police Force's 2015 budget is $24,269,759. Reid was predicting a shortfall of about $320,000.

In 2014, Bates was appointed a member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces by Gov. Gen David Johnston.

He also received the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 and was awarded the Police Exemplary Service medal in 2005.

He began his policing career in 1985 in Brantford, Ont., doing uniform patrol.

In 2006, he was named Stratford's deputy chief, and then chief of police in 2012.

He has experience in uniform patrol, traffic enforcement, collision investigation and reconstruction, criminal investigation and tactical response, according to the police commission.

Saint John Deputy Chief Glen McCloskey has been serving as acting chief.