BRANDON — Brandon’s new chief of police is grateful to come full circle.
After 31 years of police work, Tyler Bates was sworn in as Brandon Police Service chief in a ceremony Wednesday afternoon at the Brandon Armoury.
“My career journey took me to three provinces, but the beauty of Brandon and the surrounding region left an indelible mark and a longing to return home,” said Bates, who grew up in Winnipeg’s North End. “I’m inspired and grateful to have come full circle back to my homeland.”
Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun
Newly sworn in Brandon Police Service Chief Tyler Bates speaks to the gathered crowd after his swearing in ceremony at the Brandon Armoury on Wednesday.
Bates, 53, expressed gratitude to his wife, Mona, who has been by his side during 11 relocations with the RCMP. His family and his wife’s family still live in Manitoba, and the former Mountie spent 19 years of his policing career in the province.
In welcoming Bates, Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett said the new chief was coming into “the best police force in the country,” and noted that there is a community responsibility that comes with that position.
“You want to believe in the chief of police,” Fawcett said. “You want to be that good person that when they come home, they say I met the chief of police. I want to be like that.”
The search for a new leader followed the retirement of Wayne Balcaen in 2023 to run for the Tories provincially. He was elected to represent Brandon West. It took the Brandon Police Board about 18 months to find a suitable candidate.
Police board chairperson Deb Arpin, who presented Bates with his badge and certificate of office, said the new chief distinguished himself from other candidates by his personable nature.
“You know, he just made us feel comfortable with him,” Arpin said. “And he answered questions very professionally… He can talk to people and get support. That’s what we need.”
A self-described “proud Métis citizen,” Bates said it’s important to him the Brandon Police Service is reflective and representative of the community.
“You know, we have a diverse population in Brandon here, and that’s wonderful. To have that many voices and that many perspectives, that much lived experience is wonderful. It’s really important that as we grow, and that as we bring in new members of our organization, that we have a diversity that reflects the populace that we serve.
“That’s my interest … and so we’re hiring, and I eagerly put that invite out.”
Balcaen, who noted he was sworn in seven years ago to the day that Bates’ swearing-in ceremony was held, said job No. 1 for the new chief will be to make sure that he is acquainted with the community.
“That takes a lifetime, and you build it as you go,” Balcaen said. “I’ve been here for, you know, my whole life, and I’m still building relationships and meeting people.”
Bates earned his bachelor of arts degree at the University of Winnipeg in justice and law enforcement before completing a two-year leadership program at the Canadian Forces College in Toronto.
— Brandon Sun