By Matt Weingarden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter
The Town of LaSalle has named Micheal Pearce as the new police chief.
Chief Pearce arrives with more than two decades of policing experience proudly serving with the Chatham-Kent Police Service and previously the York Regional Police. Throughout his career, he has worked in patrol, community-oriented response unit, drugs and vice, media relations, traffic unit, professional standards, training and career development, and recruiting.
Chief Pearce replaces Chief Duncan Davies, who is retiring later this year.
Pearce’s education includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies from York University, a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Western University, and certificates in Leadership, Human Resources Management, Risk Management, and Municipal Accounting and Finance.
Mike is a graduate of the Police Leadership Program from the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management, holds a Certified Human Resources Professional designation, and is a member of the Human Resources Professional Association.
“Having a solid education and extensive experience in policing, I think a bring an outside perspective and fresh set of eyes,” said Pearce, when asked what he brings to the LaSalle Police Service.
“As well, having some insight working with a couple of other policing services, presents an opportunity to help streamline some of the LaSalle processes and make them more efficient.”
One of the ideas Pearce is considering includes establishing a community inclusion panel that would include a cross section of diverse community members to meet regularly to discuss how the police services interact with them…different cultures and backgrounds and how to be more responsive to better serve LaSalle.
While its early in Pearce’s tenure, he says that he is currently engaged in an overall assessment of the department.
“I’m still learning the culture, the area and community,” said Pearce. “To me policing is all about community. One of the things that attracted me to the LaSalle area is that it’s a smaller municipality and services of this size are able to concentrate and deliver on community policing. Larger police services have challenges with call volume and delivering resources to the best of their ability. Smaller services have a better opportunity to embed themselves into the community. This in turn helps for a safer and healthier pace to live.”
Pearce says that they are currently looking to engage the community through a series of ‘Coffee with the Chief’ sessions as well as a couple of scheduled Town Hall meetings and public survey.
Another project that Pearce says LaSalle Police Services has launched is called Camsafe.ca, a new initiative, aimed to create a database of private security cameras across the province.
“If a citizen or business has a camera they wish to register for free, with as much or little information the participant wishes to share, it will act as a resource for police when investigating criminal offences,” said Pearce.
Pearce shares that the service has also hired four more officers and are looking to hire again in the year. Currently LaSalle Police Services employs 45 officers.
“Chief Designate Pearce impressed the selection committee with his vision for enhancing public safety, strengthening community relations, and implementing innovative strategies to address the evolving challenges facing law enforcement today. As Mayor, I am confident that chief Pearce will continue to uphold our Town’s values of integrity, accountability, and transparency within the department, and I look forward to working closely with him to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents of the Town of LaSalle,” said mayor Meloche.
When Pearce isn’t working, he is very involved in minor hockey, coaching his daughters over the past several years. At one point he served as a referee in the Ontario Hockey League, Jr. B and the American Hockey League levels.
“Without sounding too cliché, hockey has taught me many of life’s lessons…through sport you learn a lot about adversity, teamwork, putting others before you…and it’s a great opportunity for me personally to spend time with my kids.” He added.
“It is with profound appreciation and humility that I join the LaSalle Police Service. I am thrilled to work with an impressive team of professionals. Together, we will advance member development and wellness, community inclusion, and technological innovation. I wish to extend my gratitude to the LaSalle Police Services Board for placing their trust in me,” said chief Pearce.
It’s exciting for me and I look forward to new challenges,” he added. “This is a great service to work for…a great community and I’m super excited about it!”
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