Cameron McBride is now officially the Chief of Police for the Saskatoon Police Service.  There was a theme to the words spoken by those present at the swearing-in Tuesday, that Chief Cam McBride has a lot of heart and belief in the organization to which he has belonged for 27 years.

Chair of the Board of Police Commissioners, Shirley Greyeyes stated at the event, “The Board is looking forward to working with Chief McBride as we all work together to achieve our mission of creating a culture of community safety in Saskatoon.” Mayor Charlie Clark called McBride a tremendous relationship builder and leader.

Chief McBride told attendees that police go into the community and participate in everyone’s worst day every day. “Our members are working with circumstances that involve crystal meth, overdoses, complex, very complex issues, and firearms almost daily,” said Chief McBride when describing what officers are facing.

Chief McBride said police members are asked to manage behavourial manifestations that are rooted in very complex issues like diminished mental health, poverty, addictions and marginalization. He says in order to influence positive outcomes they can’t do it by themselves.

“We need to cooperate, collaborate and partner with individuals and organizations that have the capacity the training and the abilities to do that work. To meet people where they need to be met. To address those core issues and restore individuals in the community.”

While he still feels safe in the community, it motivates him to make a difference knowing that’s not everyone’s experience.

Some of the dignitaries at the ceremony were Saskatchewan’s Lieutenant Governor, Russ Mirasty, Minister of Corrections and Policing, Paul Merriman and about 200 members of the Police Service.