Thai Truong named next Chief

Thai Truong named next Chief of the London Police Service

LONDON, ON (May 1, 2023) – The London Police Services Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Thai Truong as London’s next Chief of Police, effective June 1, 2023, following Chief Steve Williams’ retirement.     

Chief Designate Truong joins the London Police Service with more than two decades of policing experience, including as a commander in all four branches within York Regional Police: Support, Investigations, Administrative and Operations. Most recently, Chief Designate Truong led all policing operations for the city of Richmond Hill. He has extensive investigative and specialized expertise and has been involved in numerous long-term undercover operations across North America. He has also been responsible for leading various units including organized crime and drug enforcement, human trafficking, intimate partner violence, homicide, internet child exploitation and special victims’ units.   

In 2016, Chief Designate Truong worked directly with the Office of the Premier to develop the province’s first-ever strategy to combat human trafficking, with a budget of $72 million. He has assisted the United States Department of Justice in policy design and training on human trafficking, exploited and abducted children for first responders, child welfare, medical professionals, educators and the judiciary across America. Chief Designate Truong is the only police leader in Canada who has been qualified and recognized by both the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice as an expert in the areas of drug trafficking, human trafficking and the commercial sexual exploitation of women and girls. He has successfully implemented multi-year anti-gun and gang violence strategies, and long-term community safety strategies that address sexual violence, harassment and the exploitation of women and girls across York Region.  

Chief Designate Truong has a strong foundation in leading complex operations that include policing partners and community stakeholders across different sectors. He is a strong advocate for victims of crime, vulnerable and marginalized populations, and has successfully rallied on their behalf for changes to provincial and federal laws in front of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, as well as other parliamentarians. 

Chief Designate Truong believes that frontline police officers are fundamental to all police organizations. He prioritizes the effectiveness and well-being of sworn and civilian members and has a deep understanding of the importance of community partnerships. He is committed to public safety and to maintaining and building trusting relationships with the communities he serves. 

Chief Designate Truong holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a Sociology Major from the University of Windsor. He has certificates from York University Schulich School of Business and the University of Toronto Rotman School of Management. He currently sits on the board of directors for York Region Children’s Aid Society.

Chief Designate Truong says, “It is with tremendous honour and responsibility that I accept my appointment as the new Chief of Police for London.  I am truly grateful for the trust placed in me by Chair of the London Police Services Board, Ali Chahbar and each board member who represents the City of London and its residents.  I am committed to leading the London Police Service with integrity, transparency and accountability.

I want to express my profound gratitude to the London Police Association, all sworn police officers, civilian members and the volunteers of the London Police Service.  Their professionalism and unwavering commitment are the foundation of this organization, and I am dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and supportive organization that values the distinct contributions of each individual.  Together, we will continue to work collaboratively to build trust and confidence within our community.  It is the only way to achieve public safety, and to ensure the citizens of London feel seen, heard and protected.” 

Board Chair, Ali Chahbar says, “Chief Designate Truong is a highly accomplished and well-respected leader within the policing community. A veteran of the York Regional Police Service, with a distinguished career spanning over two decades, he is widely recognized and regarded as a leading voice and subject matter expert in various fields of policing, including drug and human trafficking.

In a reflection of the changing face of our community and police service, once he is formally sworn into office, Chief Designate Truong will make history as the City of London’s first ever racially diverse Chief of Police. This represents an important and historic milestone for both the London Police Service and City of London as a whole. The Board looks forward to working with Chief Designate Truong to provide the support and resources necessary to continue making the London Police Service a progressive leader in policing and community safety.”

The Change of Command ceremony will be held at a later date, with more details forthcoming.

The London Police Services Board is the civilian body responsible for governing the London Police Service. It is responsible for the provision of adequate and effective police services to the City of London’s population of approximately 392,900.

Membership of the London Police Services Board:

Ali A. Chahbar, Chair             

Megan Walker, Vice Chair                                          

Nancy Branscombe, Member                         

Councillor Steve Lehman, Member

Mayor Josh Morgan, Member

Councillor Susan Stevenson, Member

For additional information, contact Jennifer Foster, Administrator, London Police Services Board at (519) 661-5646 or by e-mail at lpsb@londonpolice.ca