Council approves appointments of new chief and deputy chief of WPF
The Woodstock Police Force’s newest top cops are officially in place.
At the Nov. 12 regular meeting, Woodstock council unanimously approved the appointment of Simon Watts as the force’s new deputy police chief.
Previously, at a special council meeting on Thursday, Nov. 7, the council approved the appointment of interim chief and former deputy chief Mark Bennett as Woodstock Police Force Chief.
Bennett moved into his new role following last month’s resignation of former Chief Gary Forward, who accepted the role as chief of the Fredericton Police Force.
Bennett and Watts attended the Nov. 12 council meeting where the new chief introduced his new deputy, who brings extensive policing experience to his new role.
Bennett explained Watts started his policing career in England before deciding to “make the trek across the pond” to join the Calgary Police Force, where he worked his way up the chain to detective sergeant.
Watts eventually made his way across Canada to New Brunswick and the Woodstock area when he accepted a position with the Police Commission of New Brunswick.
Over the past three years, Bennett explained that Watts, as a Justice and Public Safety director, has worked closely with the Woodstock Police Force, the RCMP, and other agencies that provide intelligence information.
Bennett said Watts’ team mined websites and open-source information about potential dangers. For example, he said he provided intelligence information helping the Woodstock Police Force prepare for possible risks surrounding a drag reading event at the L.P. Fisher Public Library.
“They were great assistance in monitoring a lot of that chatter and letting us know what was being said publicly and delving into the underworld,” he said.
Watts said he looks forward to his new role in law enforcement.
“It’s the highlight of my career so far,” he said.
Watts said he and his wife have enjoyed life in the area since moving to Woodstock a few years ago.
Mayor Jones said the council looks forward to working with the new chief and deputy chief as the Woodstock Police Force continues to expand and progress, noting they will continue in the steps established by former Chief Forward and Bennett.
“We’ve been blessed with great leadership,” she said.
