Nishan Duraiappah, sworn in Tuesday as Peel Regional Police’s seventh chief at a ceremony, said the moment “marks a new page” in the organization’s history.

The former Halton Regional Police deputy chief brings a wealth of experience to the role and succeeds interim chief Chris McCord — who will be retiring effective Wednesday. Duraiappah is also the first person of colour to hold the office since Peel Regional Police formed in 1974.

“This moment is about celebrating this organization, Peel Regional Police, and this community,” Duraiappah told reporters. “It marks a new page in the history of the organization.”

“While we’re here, there are officers out responding to emergency calls, and it’s my privilege to be the person to lead this remarkable team looking after 1.4 million people and 3,000 officers,” he added.

Duraiappah was born in Sri Lanka and immigrated to Canada. In December 1995, he began his policing career with Halton Regional Police. He worked as a constable for many years in the uniform patrol unit, drug and morality unit, guns and gangs unit, and with the RCMP Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, among others.

Most recently, Duraiappah served as the operations commander for Milton and Halton Hills, the commander of the office of continuous improvement and strategic management, and was the Halton chief’s executive officer. In fall 2015, he was promoted to deputy chief and lead district operations for all four municipalities in Halton Region.

When asked about the rise of gang violence and cyber crimes in Peel region, Duraiappah said a collaborative effort is needed.

“Policing is at a complex time,” he said. “The traditional way of policing is not always the one that will continue, there are opportunities to look at other ways of doing things, and we’ll continue to improve.”

Duraiappah said the force will require more collaboration with other community partners including health and education. He added that innovation is necessary, and the force needs to be flexible. Notably, he was concerned with “looking after our front lines,” as a means to improve policing and the wellness of police officers.

“I have a team behind me, and they deserve the investment,” Duraiappah said. “When you’re good inside, you can be good outside to the people.”

Duraiappah was sworn in during a ceremony at the Lionhead Golf Club and Conference Centre in Brampton before the chief of police’s management group, members of the Police Services Board, dignitaries and guests.

Duraiappah holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology and Criminology from the University of Toronto and a diploma in Public Administration from the University of Western Ontario. He serves on the board of directors for the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police and has served on various OACP committees throughout his career.

He is also the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012, and became a member of the Order of Merit in 2016.

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Ali Raza is a reporter for Mississauga News and Brampton Guardian. Reach him via email: aliraza@metroland.com

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