Brantford Police Services Board announced the creation of a second Deputy Chief of Police position within the Brantford Police Service on Thursday, June 26, 2025.
This new role has been established on a two-year trial basis with the goal of enhancing organizational oversight, supporting operational efficiencies, and aligning leadership capacity with the evolving needs of modern policing.
Following an internal and external selection process, the Board is also announced the successful appointment of two accomplished members of the Service to the roles of Deputy Chief.
Deputy Chief Richard Paolini began his policing career with the Brantford Police Service in September 1997. Throughout his career, Deputy Chief Paolini served in various frontline and investigative roles, including Uniform Patrol, the Major Crime Unit as a Detective, and later as the Staff Sergeant in charge of the Criminal Investigation Section. Since, 2018, he has served as Inspector in charge of Quality Assurance and assumed the role of Interim Deputy Chief in May 2024. Deputy Chief Paolini is also a former President of the Brantford Police Association.
Deputy Chief Grant Davies also brings extensive experience and leadership to his new role. He began his career in law enforcement as a Park Patroller while attending university and was hired by the Hamilton Police Service in 2003. In 2007, he joined the Brantford Police Service, where he has served in a wide range of operational and investigative capacities including Uniform Patrol, as a Detective in the Youth, Vice, and CASA (Child Abuse and Sexual Assault) Units. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2014, serving in Major Crime and Uniform Patrol, and then promoted to Staff Sergeant in 2017, overseeing both Uniform Patrol and Criminal Investigation Services. In 2024, he was promoted to Inspector of Investigative Support. Deputy Chief Davies holds a degree in Criminal Justice and Public Policy from the University of Guelph and a Certificate in Police Leadership from Dalhousie University.
“The addition of a second Deputy Chief strengthens our leadership structure and positions the Service to more effectively address the increasing complexity of policing,” said Board Chair Allan Lovett. “We are proud to recognize the leadership talent that exists within the Brantford Police Service and were happy to promote from within through a very competitive hiring process. The Board has full confidence in both deputies and is confident that the new leadership team will help advance our goals for community safety, accountability, and operational excellence.”
Chief of Police Jason Saunders added, “Both individuals bring significant experience, professionalism, and deep knowledge of the community to their new roles. The decision to appoint from within speaks to the strength of our organization and our commitment to continuity and leadership development.”
The two-year pilot period for the second Deputy Chief position will be reviewed at its conclusion to evaluate its effectiveness in improving service delivery and organizational performance.
