Getting to know the Kingston Police Chief, This new Q&A style EMC feature will give readers a more personal look at some of the public figures in our community.
Posted Feb 2, 2012 By EMC NewsName and age:
Stephen J. Tanner, 51. I feel much younger - most days.
Background:
I was born and raised in Oakville, Ontario, and attend G.E. Perdue High School before going to the University of Guelph (78-82).
I am currently in my 30th year of policing and will complete my 30th year on September 13th, 2012. I started with Halton Regional Police (1982) and worked in many positions including patrol, Criminal investigations, Drugs and Intelligence, training unit, Tactical team, major crime/homicide unit and as a forensic polygraph examiner. I accepted a position as Deputy Chief of Operations for the Guelph PS in 1998. I relocated to Belleville as a Deputy Chief in 2000, and became the Chief of Police of Belleville PS January 2002. I accepted my current position as Chief of Police - Kingston PF on November 1, 2008.
How are you enjoying the City of Kingston?
I am thoroughly enjoying my role here with the Kingston Police Force. We have a tremendous group of sworn police officers and civilian members here in Kingston. It's a tremendous city to police and to work within, and one of the most historic and beautiful areas imaginable. We are well supported by our Police Services Board and City Council and staff, and are able to make a difference in the city, make our citizens feel safe and secure, and make the City of Kingston the safest and best it can possibly be.
What's your favourite part of your job?
Over the years I have been dealing with people, helping the victims of serious crimes, investigating crime and having a positive impact on the people I have worked with, and for. Now in this role, I enjoy being able to do things and to make decisions that make the work of my members easier, to be able to re-deploy staff to make us a stronger organization, or to add staff/officers such as the Drug Unit, that all assists them to have a greater impact. A lot of my role now is mediation, between various groups, and to find solutions to issues that help both sides of any dispute or issue. I am also heavily involved in the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police and will become the President of the OACP for a one year term starting June 2012.
Least Favourite?
I would probably say some disciplinary situations that arise, although as the Chief you have the opportunity to address community complaints or sometimes mistakes made, and need to do so in a fair manner. I wish mistakes never happened, but we are an organization comprised of 260+ people and we are all human and all make mistakes from time to time. For the most part these are honest mistakes, or perceptions, but the integrity of our organization rests with each of the many thousands of interactions our members have each year.
Did you always want to be in law enforcement?
Did you have other aspirations growing up? I grew up thinking of many careers. I actually went to the U of Guelph to pursue Veterinary Medicine as my first career. At University I became interested in various subjects, including medicine and law, and pursued law in a different way when I got into policing.
Family life:
I am married to Colette. We have been married for 23 years. We have two boys, Jordan and Aron, one is studying criminology at University and the other is in high school. We have had dogs and cats over the years, including a Great Dane in recent years, and still have a dog and 2 catsÖand the odd visiting animal from the neighbourhood.
What is your life like outside of work?
Some of my time outside of work is (spent on) other work related interests such as the OACP executive and the Criminal Intelligence Service of Ontario, but I am active in a variety of other things including boating (local lakes), cycling the Cataraqui trails and other areas for fitness, and still playing some sports such as hockey and baseball. I am active in the community, and like to become involved whenever I can with the Canadian Forces and our local military. I have a great deal of respect for our military personnel and all that they do for all of us as Canadians.
Hobbies:
Boating for one. I own a pontoon boat, not the sleekest or fastest of craft, but fun and very comfortable. Someday a larger boat to cruise the St. Lawrence and Rideau areas would be great. I took up cycling more seriously last summer and spend a lot of time doing that, which is great for personal fitness and also lets you see a lot of the local countryside.
Favourite movie:
For years I would have said Top Gun, being a plane enthusiast, and I flew small planes for a while, but there are so many great movies. I really like "Remember the Titans" that involved a high school football team and a lot of lessons about overcoming diversity, and also racism in the United States.
Favourite TV show:
On the drama side, I would say Criminal Minds, and for comedy Big Bang Theory, although I probably spend more time watching the Ottawa Senators play or NFL Football.
Favourite food:
Too many to mention. A really nice steak, medium rare is right up there, or prime rib, although seafood is also excellent.
Most embarassing moment:
The first time I testified at a Murder trial. It was an elevated platform you had to stand on, right beside the judge, and when the crown asked me to point to something on a large map I stepped back, and almost fell right down with a jury and full court room watching.
What are a few items on your Bucket List?
I would like to travel more, and see Europe, and also Hawaii and Australia at some point. I would like to get that larger and faster boat, either now or after retirement to enjoy the water more. But the main thing is to enjoy the moment, have close friends, and find the time to relax and have fun
Is there a public figure in our community that you would like to know more abou? Send your suggestions to editorial@theemc.ca
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