Saint John police chief retiring in July, criticizes ‘systemic resistance to change’

Saint John police chief Robert Bruce is handing in his badge in July.

Saint John Police Force Chief Robert Bruce – who was the subject of harassment complaints from officers last year – is retiring from his position in July, criticizing what he calls organizational challenges.

Bruce, who joined the police force in July 2021, said he would be leaving the role at the end of his current contract in two months, ending 38 years of policing. He noted the Saint John Board of Police Commissioners granted him a three-year extension to his contract, but said he felt he had fulfilled his obligations and commitments.

“When I accepted this position in 2021, I made a full commitment to reside in Saint John for a period of three to five years and to lead the organization through significant transformation,” Bruce said in a written statement. “My goal was to help ensure the Saint John Police Force evolved into a modern, responsive, and trusted service that our community deserves.

“I have worked diligently despite considerable organizational challenges, including frequent changes within the senior command team, the absence of a Deputy Chief for much of this period, coupled with systematic resistance to change, and a restrictive collective agreement. These circumstances presented unique operational and leadership demands.”

Last September, multiple members of the police force made complaints against Bruce. The complaints were originally under a publication ban, but it was lifted earlier this year.

None of the alleged complaints have been tested in court.

In a statement last month, Bruce said the majority of the allegations against him were found to be “vexatious, frivolous, and not made in good faith” and were dismissed.

“For the few remaining allegations, I took full responsibility for any action the Saint John Board of Police Commissioners or the New Brunswick Police Commission deemed below the standard expected of the Saint John Police Chief through the informal resolution process under the Police Act,” he said at the time.

Saint John Mayor Donna Reardon worked alongside the chief on the city’s board of police commissioners, and says she had a positive relationship with the top cop.

“I wasn’t surprised to hear that. There have been a lot of issues, but like I said, I’ve been a big supporter of the chief and he’s done a lot of great work in Saint John trying to modernize the force and the service they provide,” she said.

“Not everyone likes change, so I get that myself, and he’s worked on that, he’s done quite a bit of work on it.”

In his retirement announcement, Bruce said it was a “distinct honour” to serve the City of Saint John and the members of the police force for the last five years.

“As I reflect on my tenure, I am proud of the progress achieved in enhancing our service delivery model, strengthening internal support for our members, and fostering a positive impact within the community through increased engagement, visibility, and accessibility,” he said.

“While there is still important work to be done and ongoing challenges remain, I am confident that with the continued support of the Saint John Police Force members, Board, Council, and the community, the current senior command team is well positioned to lead the organization toward continued growth and future success.”

Reardon says the board of police commissioners will likely hire an interim chief for the short term and then cast a wide net to see who will make a good fit for the role fulltime.

CTV News Atlantic reached out to Robert Bruce, but he declined to be interviewed.

With files from CTV News Atlantic’s Avery MacRae

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