The Prince Albert Board of Police Commissioners has appointed an interim Chief for the Prince Albert Police Service (PAPS).
Patrick Nogier, a 30-year member of the Saskatoon Police Service and the current Superintendent of the Criminal Investigations Division, will officially take the position on Thursday.
He’s replacing Jon Bergen who announced on May 17th that he would be retiring at the end of the month.
One of the reasons he claimed he chose to retire was personal attacks against him and members of his executive team. In the days afterward, a tribute video for Bergen was posted and then taken down with a former spokesperson for PAPS claiming it was due to ongoing harassment including from members of the police force.
In a statement, Nogier said his main priority will be to create stability and harmony within the police force. He also wants to ensure that the community can trust them to do the job.
“I recognize that building trust is a journey that requires time, patience, and consistent effort. It is not a task that can be accomplished overnight” he said. “However, I pledge a resolute commitment to earning that trust. I ask for your partnership, your guidance, and your willingness to engage in constructive dialogue as we tackle this process together.”
The Police Board said they needed to find an interim Chief since it may take around six months before finding someone to permanently fill the role. Board Chair Janet Carriere noted Nogier’s long career and accolades, which includes The Order of Merit, made him an easy choice.
“The Board very much looks forward to working with someone as highly regarded in the Province as Patrick Nogier, to get us through this next period with a focus on the safety and well-being of all our community,” she said.
As for the Prince Albert Police Association, President Nolan Carter said the union is excited to see what Nogier can bring to the table.
“We know there will be many changes and some challenges, but we are looking forward to a bright future for the Service and the community.”
Carter added Nogier has the full support of the union.
Meanwhile, Nogier’s career includes stints on different units such as patrol, canine, VICE, communications, sex crime and child abuse, forensic identification, criminal intelligence, Internet Child Exploitation (ICE), and Specialized Uniform Operation.
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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com
On Twitter: @princealbertnow
