YRP Chief Jim MacSween is set to retire in June
The York Regional Police Service Board has announced that, following a six-year tenure as chief of police, Jim MacSween will retire on June 26, 2026.
Chief MacSween, who has already played an integral role in succession planning for the Executive Leadership Team at York Regional Police, will continue to support the Board in the process to appoint its next chief.
“On behalf of the Board, I want to extend our sincere congratulations to Chief MacSween on his well-earned retirement after dedicating 37 years to policing, including the past six as chief of police,” said Board Chair Steve Pellegrini. “Chief MacSween has served our community with integrity, professionalism and a steadfast commitment to public safety.”
“Under his leadership, our service has continued to evolve—strengthening community trust, improving support for our members, and modernizing how we respond to the changing needs of the people we serve,” Pellegrini added. “We are deeply grateful for the positive impact he has made across our organization and wish Chief MacSween and his family health, happiness and every success in the next chapter.”
MacSween assumed the role of Chief of Police on May 1, 2020, after an impressive career that saw him fill roles in the Criminal Investigations, Community Services and Training and Education Bureaus, as well as the Hold-Up Unit. In leadership roles, he served in command of two police districts, Operational Command, and eventually as deputy chief overseeing the Support Branch. During his time as chief, MacSween served as president of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, chair of the Canadian Police Knowledge Network and the St. John Ambulance Board of Directors, and as a board member for Special Olympics Ontario.
Under his leadership, the organization was transformed, adopting a new structure to meet the challenges of a rapidly growing region and an increasingly complex policing environment.
“Chief MacSween has devoted 37 years to policing, a career defined not just by longevity but by unwavering dedication, integrity and a deep commitment to the safety and well-being of our communities,” said York Region CEO Eric Jolliffe. “For the past six years as Chief of York Regional Police, he has led with vision, compassion and courage, guiding the service through some of the most extraordinary challenges in its history. From the complexities and uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic to the evolving needs of a rapidly growing Region, Chief MacSween has navigated every challenge with calm, clarity and a steadfast commitment to public service.”
Through the COVID-19 pandemic, he drove the organization to meet complex operational demands, all while ensuring the safety and security of York Region’s communities and the health and well-being of more than 2,000 staff. MacSween was also a builder, forging invaluable relationships with partners and advocacy groups, while leading York Regional Police to raise nearly $4 million for charities of choice, including Victim Services of York Region, York Region Centre for Community Safety, and Special Olympics Ontario.
“It has been the greatest honour of my career to lead the dedicated members of this service, who put the professionalism, compassion and commitment to public safety into action every day,” said MacSween. “I would like to thank the Police Service Board, our members, our partners and our communities for the trust and confidence you have placed in me over the past six years, and for my entire career.”
“Being privileged to work alongside and lead thousands of exceptional people, I am retiring with immense gratitude and pride,” MacSween continued. “But I am still looking forward, and my commitment over the coming months is simple: Supporting a disciplined and seamless transition, so the organization’s focus stays exactly where it belongs—on building and protecting safer communities well into the future.”
Members of the Police Service Board have started a comprehensive selection process to identify and appoint its next Chief of Police. The Board will provide updates on these processes to members of the public as they become available.
Photo: YRP Chief Jim MacSween will retire on June 26, 2026.