February 10, 2000
(Justice)

RNC Chief of Police Leonard P. Power to retire in April

Justice Minister Kelvin Parsons announced today that Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Chief of Police, Leonard P. Power, will retire effective April 30, 2000 after 40 years of public service.

Chief Power joined the public service in May of 1959 with the Department of Health and moved to the RNC in January 1964. After serving two years on patrol, he was transferred to the criminal investigation division where he spent most of his career, rising to the rank of superintendent in charge of the division in 1987. He was appointed deputy chief of police, field operations, in 1991 and chief of police in 1995.

Minister Parsons praised Chief Power for his role in implementing a wide range of significant initiatives during his tenure as chief of police.

"Chief Power was there to ensure the smooth transition of a new look for the RNC, when new uniforms and car colours were introduced. He also oversaw the arming of front line officers when government approved sidearms for police officers in April of 1998," said the minister. "Most recently, Chief Power oversaw the development of a strategic plan for the force which will set the course for the RNC for the next five years and the deployment of RNC officers in a peacekeeping role in Kosovo."

Other career highlights include the implementation of community policing in jurisdictions served by the RNC; use of force training for all RNC members; the hiring of professional support staff for the police force including a solicitor, director of information services and director of information technology; and, the implementation of a state of the art police information management system.

"Chief Power has the confidence and respect of all members of the police force and the province owes him a great debt," said Minister Parsons. "His years of public service, his leadership and his dedication to public safety and justice are to be commended. Chief Power is truly an exemplary police officer and an exemplary citizen of Newfoundland and Labrador. I wish him well in his retirement."

Chief Power and his wife, Jean, have three sons and four granddaughters.

Minister Parsons said he and his Cabinet colleagues will consider Chief Power�s replacement over the next several months.

Media contact: Lynn Barter, Communications, (709) 729-0084.

2000 02 10                                         4:00 p.m.