De Caire won’t seek contract extension

Chief Glenn De Caire will not seek an extension of his contract as the head of Hamilton’s police service.

De Caire said in a statement on the Hamilton Police Service website Tuesday that he will retire from the service when his contract ends on Dec. 31, 2014.

“I am extremely proud of our service and the policing excellence that has been delivered to the citizens of Hamilton by our members,” he said in the statement.

“I am honoured to serve in Hamilton and have worked hard every day to represent the members, the community and the board to the best of my abilities.”

The decision marks the end of a sometimes controversial run as head of Hamilton’s police service. While many cite positive changes under De Caire’s time. But some also speak of his uncompromising nature and strict disciplinary measures that saw him butt heads with the association representing some 1,200 Hamilton police officers and staff.

It also comes at the end of a fractured year with city hall, where councillors battled with him over budget issues.

De Caire has been chief since November 2009, arriving from Toronto, where he served as a staff superintendent. He recently had a performance review with the Hamilton police services board. Mayor Bob Bratina, who chairs the board, said he was surprised when De Caire handed him the letter Tuesday. (Source)