GARDEN RIVER, Ont. -- The Anishinabek Police Service (APS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeffery Skye as the new Chief of Police, effective Aug. 2, 2022.
In their July 15 news release, APS describes the new Chief of Police as one strongly guided by their sacred grandfather teachings, and who has throughout his many years of service, advocated for his fellow police officers, civilian staff and communities. “Guided by the sacred grandfather teachings, Jeff is a seasoned officer who brings many years of experience to support and advocate for his police officers, civilian staff, communities and all who live within,” they shared.
Having served for over seven years with Treaty Three Police Service (T3PS), as the Deputy Police Chief, Skye’s experience and knowledge is something that he brings to APS; an attribute that serves to highlight his ability to lead the way he has for over 29 years in policing.
“Jeffery has been a shining example of “leading from the front” leadership with over 29 years of experience in policing. His experience has lent him to become an innovative, strategic thinker. His sharpened skills have led him to creating, co[1]creating or launching many initiatives, including the Mentor and Helping Kids with Adversity, (MAHKWA), a program with timely response to youth in crisis, the Not for Sale program, geared to human trafficking prevention as well as many other heartfelt and impactful initiatives,” stated Anishinabek Police Service.
Anishinabek Police Governing Authority, Chair Debi Bouchie, added that, “It has been a long, diligent process, and we are pleased to welcome Chief of Police Jeff Skye. His invested interest in our communities is an asset. We looked forward to his efforts to continually improve the health and safety of APS and the communities we serve.”
In addition, their news release shares how Skye also comes with a strong professional network which is viewed as a huge benefit to the APS and communities in which he serves. Nationally, he is a member of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and the First Nations Chiefs of Police. Provincially he is a member of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, the Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police and the Indigenous Police Chiefs of Ontario. Regionally he sits on the Grand Council Treaty #3 Drug Task Force.
In each of his roles, Skye’s priority is said to have always been to bring education, awareness and advocacy to the social issues that Indigenous people face on a regular basis. “He uses this knowledge to change the way Police Services look at policing in their communities as well as re-evaluating enforcement and working towards supporting members,” added the APS.
Anishinabek Police Council, Chair Chief Jason Henry, “We are pleased to be welcoming Jeffery to our police service. His wealth of knowledge and experience will assist our communities in the path forward.”
The Anishinabek Police Service, Police Governing Authority and Police Council wishes newly appointed Police Chief Jeff Skye many successes in his future with APS.