The Cobourg Police Service Board is pleased to announce that it has selected Chief Superintendent Chris Leather as the new Chief of the Cobourg Police Service.

Chief-Designate Leather brings more than 36 years of policing experience, including 21 years with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and 15 years with York Regional Police. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to public safety, accountable leadership, community engagement, and organizational excellence.

Most recently, Chief-Designate Leather served as Chief Superintendent and Criminal Operations Officer for the RCMP’s Central Region (Ontario), where he provided executive leadership for major criminal investigations and federal policing operations relating to organized crime, national security, cybercrime, financial crime, sensitive and international investigations, and border integrity. In this role, he oversaw significant operational responsibilities while leading integrated policing partnerships across Ontario.

Over the course of his career, Chief-Designate Leather has held senior leadership positions at both the provincial and national levels, including serving as Acting Commanding Officer in Nova Scotia and leading strategic modernization initiatives at RCMP National Headquarters. He is recognized for building high-performing teams, strengthening relationships with government and community partners, and advancing policing approaches grounded in professionalism, transparency, and public trust.

Chief Designate Leather holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree, graduating Summa Cum Laude from York University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Western University. He has also completed executive leadership training through the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, the Ontario Police College, and the RCMP Executive Development Program.

“On behalf of the Cobourg Police Service Board, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Chief Superintendent Chris Leather as the next Chief of the Cobourg Police Service. Chief-Designate Leather brings experience and a demonstrated commitment to public safety, accountability, and collaborative community partnerships that reflect the values central to policing in Cobourg. The Board looks forward to working closely with Chief-Designate Leather as we continue to support a professional, responsive, and community-focused police service,” said Chair Adam Bureau, Cobourg Police Service Board. “I would also like to recognize Chief Paul VandeGraaf for his dedicated service and leadership, and for helping position the Service for a strong and successful transition.”

“I am honoured to have the opportunity to serve as Chief of the Cobourg Police Service and to continue the strong tradition of professional, community-focused policing established within the Service. I want to recognize Chief Paul VandeGraaf and the dedicated members whose commitment and professionalism have earned the trust and respect of the community. I look forward to working closely with the Police Service Board, our policing partners, and the residents of Cobourg to advance public safety, strengthen community engagement, support the well-being of our members, and ensure the Service continues to meet the evolving needs of the community with accountability, compassion, and professionalism.” – Chief Designate Chris Leather

Chief-Designate Leather commences his new duties on June 1, 2026.