Niagara Regional Police Chief Jeff McGuire retires

Chief Jeff McGuire admits he didn’t know a whole lot about Niagara before he was appointed chief in 2012, but over the last five years a lot has changed.

“When I arrived here you couldn’t move people around very much, so if Ii was short in one district I wasn’t able to transfer anyone if I had extras.”

McGuire was a part of developing the new police headquarters in Niagara Falls, and just weeks into his leadership, the force revamped its failing telecommunications system.

But it was not all smooth sailing for McGuire.

Police Association President Cliff Priest says McGuire was not respect by members of the police board when it came to asking for resources. He says that rocky relationship may have forced McGuire’s hand, but police board chair Bob Gales says that is not the case.

“We got along with the chief fine and those types of comments only undermine the police and I know where they came from and that was disgusting to me.”

McGuire had served 35 years with Toronto’s Police force before retiring as acting deputy chief. Only then to take on Niagara’s top cop position.

While collecting a pension from Toronto he signed a five year contract with Niagara and then a three year extension.

He says his decision to forgo the extension has nothing to do with the board.

“There is no question we have conflicts at times, but that’s how things work with oversight bodies and I am ok with that.”

As for what Chief McGuire plans to do with his free time?

“In my mind I am not done yet. I will consider some opportunity if they come around if they don’t, that is fine.. Like I said I will consider becoming a professional golfer- everyone laughs- I don’t know why. I point out that every single tournament somebody has to lose, so why not me?”

McGuire’s last day as chief is July 14th.