London, Ont. Police Union challenges chief leadership

The Chair of the London Police Services Board says she is very surprised to learn that the London Police Union held a non-confidence vote challenging Chief Steve Williams’ leadership.

The Chair of the London Police Services Board says she is very surprised to learn that the London Police Union held a non-confidence vote challenging Chief Steve Williams’ leadership.

Susan Toth says London Police Association (LPA) has not yet formally advised the London Police Services Board about the meeting that took place last week.

“Obviously we are aware that there was a non-confidence vote, but I don’t know much more than that, in terms of what brought it forth, what the concerns are yet,” said Toth.

Toth says the board is open to feedback and trying to understand what the issues are and will respond accordingly but, “there is nothing that has shaken their confidence in the chief at this time.”

Toth says there have not been any complaints about the chief, and that the London Police Services Board is aware of the pressures facing police, with long call-for-service queues and increasingly complex calls because chief Williams made them aware of these issues, and has advocated for his officers.

Chief Williams issued the following statement Sunday afternoon:

‘I am aware of the motion that was tabled. I have heard and take the concerns of all members seriously. I am committed to discussions with the LPA Executive in the coming days and those discussions will inform next steps. These are challenging times for everyone, the community and the police. I continue to be incredibly proud of the work members of the LPS do each and every day. We share a common goal, and that is to be well as a team so we can serve the community with excellence. That will continue to be my focus moving forward.’