Video – “We’re Going to Be More Proactive”: Six Weeks Into the Job, Cobourg Police Chief Chris Leather Talks Priorities, Public Safety and the Future

Pete Fisher
2 hours ago
• Categories: Local, Photo Gallery, Police Blotter

 

When Chris Leather accepted the position as Chief of the Cobourg Police Service, he knew he was stepping into a community that cared deeply about policing.

What he perhaps didn’t anticipate was just how quickly the pace would accelerate.

Now, six weeks into the job, Leather describes his introduction to Cobourg as both demanding and rewarding, with days filled by meetings, community events, police board responsibilities and planning for the future of the service.

“It’s been a busy six weeks,” Leather said. “I think that’s in line with the time of year. We’re now moving towards the end of July into August, and I’ve just finished my second Police Services Board meeting.”

Rather than spending his first month behind a desk, Leather has made it a priority to become visible throughout the community.

“I’ve spent that time meeting with our members, key members of the community, obviously the board members, some of the councillors and community members at the various events I’ve attended.”

The schedule has been relentless.

“It’s been more than I would have expected in terms of how busy it is and the demands of the position.”

Building a Leadership Team

One of Leather’s immediate priorities is strengthening the leadership structure within the police service.

He confirmed the recruitment process is underway for a new deputy chief, with the hope of having the successful candidate in place by October.

“I’m looking forward to working with the board to hire a new deputy chief and bring them online here in the next few weeks,” he said.

“Best-case scenario, they’re in place by October, depending on their particular situation, and that will certainly help.”

Having a complete leadership team will allow the service to better manage daily operations while continuing to focus on long-term initiatives.

Community Expectations Are Clear

If there’s one thing Leather says became obvious almost immediately after arriving in Cobourg, it’s that residents expect action.

“It’s been clear to me, Pete, that the community has — rightfully so — high expectations of their police service.”

Those expectations aren’t complicated.

Residents want visible policing.

They want public spaces to feel safe.

And they want ongoing issues addressed.

“They want to see the problem areas, which are easy for everyone to see, addressed where it’s clearly a policing issue.”

For Leather, those concerns centre largely around open drug use, public intoxication and repeat offenders whose behaviour has become increasingly visible in parks and other public spaces.

Victoria Park a Primary Focus

No location is mentioned more often by residents than Victoria Park.

Whether they’re walking their dog, attending an event or bringing their children to the playground, many people have voiced concerns about what they witness on a daily basis.

Leather acknowledges those concerns.

“What I see in our face is the open consumption of illicit substances and the public intoxication that flows from that, and often the congregating that occurs of people undertaking that activity.”

“Look no further than Victoria Park for examples of that.”

Rather than relying solely on responding after complaints are received, Leather says the police service is changing its approach.

“We’ve begun to do targeted enforcement around that.”

The strategy isn’t being carried out by police alone.

“We’re working with bylaw on patrols and some initiatives, but we’re also working with social services because these issues require more than simply police enforcement.”

He hinted that a broader strategy will soon be unveiled.

“I look forward to making an announcement in the next week or two, perhaps in a town hall format, on some of the steps the police service is going to be taking to deal with that subset of repeat offenders who continually are a drain on policing, the courts and social resources.”

A Shift Away From Reactive Policing

Leather’s message throughout the interview was consistent.

Cobourg Police intends to become more proactive.

“We’re not just going to take a reactive posture.”

Instead of waiting for calls from the public, officers will be directed to focus on locations where problems repeatedly occur.

“You can expect our Street Crime Unit, our Criminal Investigation Branch and some of our policing partners to be working together to target these areas more frequently than perhaps has been done in the past.”

He acknowledged that summer naturally brings more outdoor activity.

“It’s the time of year. The weather is conducive to gatherings and unfortunately open consumption of alcohol and drugs in public.”

“But you can expect a change of posture from the Cobourg Police Service in that regard.”

Public Drug Use Will Not Be Ignored

One issue that continues to generate discussion across Ontario is how police deal with small quantities of illicit drugs.

Leather made it clear that while officers continue to have discretion under the law, public drug use will receive attention.

“There is discretion for small amounts,” he explained.

“But we will be taking steps to seize and destroy any illicit substances people may be using in public.”

He emphasized there is an important distinction between legal cannabis and illegal drugs used openly in parks or other public places.

“There is no lawful consumption of scheduled substances like opioids or methamphetamine in public.”

If officers observe individuals injecting drugs or openly consuming illicit substances, he expects action to be taken.

“That’s my expectation of our members.”

Restoring the K-9 Unit

One of the most visible developments during Leather’s first weeks as chief was the return of a police canine unit.

Constable Gil and the new police service dog were officially introduced this week, restoring a capability Cobourg has not had for more than 23 years.

“It’s exciting to have that capability back in Cobourg.”

Leather explained that many people misunderstand what police dogs actually do.

“Our canine dog will not be used like you would see at an airport or border crossing.”

Instead, the K-9 unit is designed to support frontline policing.

Its primary responsibilities include tracking suspects who flee from police, locating evidence discarded during investigations, searching for weapons, assisting during search warrants and helping locate missing people.

“The enhancement the K-9 brings to our members’ capabilities is amazing.”

The service will also work closely with the Belleville Police Service, whose experienced handlers will mentor Cobourg’s newest K-9 team.

That partnership benefits both communities by providing additional coverage whenever needed.

If neighbouring agencies, including Port Hope Police Service, require assistance, Leather says Cobourg will respond whenever resources allow.

E-Scooters Still Illegal

Leather also addressed confusion surrounding electric scooters.

Because Cobourg chose not to participate in Ontario’s pilot project, e-scooters remain illegal within the municipality.

The issue will soon come before council.

“The mayor recently asked the police service for input on e-scooters and e-bikes.”

Council is expected to discuss the issue further before the end of August.

Whatever decision is ultimately made, Leather says education will be a priority.

“We’ll work with the town on updating the community on what the rules are.”

If enforcement becomes necessary, police will ensure residents understand exactly what is and isn’t permitted.

Naming Repeat Offenders

Perhaps the biggest revelation during the interview involved how the Cobourg Police Service communicates with the public.

Leather confirmed he is considering changing the service’s longstanding policy regarding media releases.

Specifically, repeat offenders who continually cycle through the justice system could soon be identified publicly.

When asked whether names may begin appearing in police releases again, Leather answered directly.

“Yes.”

He believes certain offenders have reached a point where public accountability outweighs concerns over routinely withholding identities.

“I believe those individuals rise above the threshold and should be named for their blatant disregard for the law.”

According to Leather, some repeat offenders consume hundreds—if not thousands—of police hours while also placing enormous demands on the courts and social service agencies.

He suggested the current system has had little impact on changing their behaviour.

“The impact that enforcement is having on these individuals is either extremely limited or zero.”

More details are expected as part of a broader public safety announcement in the coming weeks.

Looking Ahead

Although Chief Chris Leather has been in Cobourg for only six weeks, his priorities are already taking shape.

Complete the leadership team.

Increase proactive policing.

Target repeat offenders.

Strengthen partnerships with municipal bylaw officers and community agencies.

Restore specialized policing capabilities.

And above all, respond to what he says residents have consistently asked for—a visible police presence that addresses issues affecting everyday life.

Much of the chief’s long-term vision will become clearer over the coming months, particularly once his broader public safety strategy is unveiled.

For now, Leather says the message is straightforward.

Cobourg residents can expect to see a police service that is more visible, more proactive and focused on addressing the issues that have become increasingly evident in the community.

“We’re not just going to take a reactive posture,” he said.

“It’s about getting ahead of the problems before they become even bigger ones.”