Article content

London will soon be shopping for a new top cop, with Chief John Pare’s surprise departure this spring launching a search for what the mayor calls a “super-person” needed in a tough job.

Friday’s revelation Pare is hanging up his badge on June 28 surprised some in policing circles, because his five-year contract doesn’t expire until May 2020.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or London police Chief John Pare announces retirement Back to video

But Pare has banked enough time over his 33-year policing career to meet his contractual obligations, while giving ample time to find his replacement, police board chair Mo Salih said.

“Chief Pare’s leadership of the London police service has been marked by enhanced community collaboration and accessibility, integrity and vision,” Salih said in a statement.

The police board, the seven-member civilian body that oversees the force, will launch a process to find a new chief “in the very near future,” it said.

Pare wasn’t available for an interview Friday, a police spokesperson said.