The New Westminster Police Board undertook an “extensive national search” to find its new chief – but ultimately determined the best person for the job was right under its nose.
Paul Hyland, who has been serving as the acting chief constable since June 2024, has been appointed as New Westminster’s police chief. Prior to former chief Dave Jansen’s retirement last summer, Hyland had served as the department’s deputy chief constable.
Hyland, a member of the New Westminster Police Department since 1995, said he is humbled and honoured to have been selected as the NWPD’s police chief.
“Having dedicated my entire career to serving this community, I remain deeply committed to its safety and well-being,” he said in a news release. “My ongoing focus is to ensure New Westminster is a safe place for everyone, while also fostering trust, compassion, and accountability in all that we do. This work cannot be done alone – it requires meaningful partnerships with community members, organizations, and strategic partners. Together, we will continue to address emerging challenges and create a stronger, safer and more connected community.”
Hyland said that ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone in the community has been a key guiding principle throughout his policing career.
“As New Westminster continues to evolve and grow, I recognize that there are significant challenges ahead,” he said. “I want NWPD to play a positive leadership role in addressing those challenges – one in which all citizens of New Westminster can be proud.”
Hyland assumes his new role effective immediately.
Tasha Henderson, chair of the police board, congratulated Hyland on his appointment as chief constable.
“Since starting his policing career with NWPD, Chief Const. Hyland has steadily progressed through the ranks of the department and is taking on his position at a very important time,” she said in a news release. “I know his passion for safety and solid record of service to our community will be strong motivators for both the uniformed members and civilian staff that he leads.”
According to the NWPD news release, Hyland’s selection took place after a thorough, fair, open and rigorous national search, which was informed by extensive internal and external consultation around policing challenges in New Westminster and the leadership qualities necessary for success.
Prior to his retirement, Jansen put in a plug for Hyland as his successor as New Westminster’s police chief.
“I'm so excited to see what Paul can do, to see what the next chief – Paul – will do; I can say that now,” he told the board at his final meeting.
According to the NWPD website, Hyland joined the New Westminster Police Department in November of 1995. Here’s a look at his rise through the ranks of the NWPD.
- As a constable, he worked in a variety of positions including patrol, the street crime unit, the emergency response team and the major crime unit.
- After being promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2007, Hyland worked as a supervisor in the patrol and major crime unit
- In 2008 he was promoted to the rank of staff sergeant where he again worked in patrol and the major crime unit. He later oversaw human resources, staff development, recruiting and strategic communications.
- In 2014 Hyland was promoted to the rank of inspector, where he led the patrol operations, support services, and administration divisions.
- In April 2019, Hyland became the NWPD’s acting deputy chief role. That position became official in 2020.
- In June 2024, he was appointed acting chief constable.
“During his career, he has received a number of awards and commendations, including the BC award of Valour for his role in the apprehension of an armed suspect after an officer involved shooting in 2003,” said the NWPD website. “In 2024 he was invested as a member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces.”
