SMITHS FALLS – OPP Superintendent Chris Harkins, former Commander of the Fleet, Supply and Weapons Services Bureau at OPP General Headquarters, has been promoted to the rank of Chief Superintendent and named Commander of OPP East Region. Chief Superintendent Harkins fills the vacancy created by the retirement of the former Regional Commander, Dan Redmond.
“Chief Superintendent Harkins brings vast and varied experience to his new role,” said OPP Deputy-Commission Gary Couture. “He has a strong understanding of the issues, challenges and opportunities facing not only the members of the OPP, but also the residents of Eastern Ontario.”
Originally from the Pembroke area, Chief Superintendent Harkins has been a member of the OPP for more than 26 years. He has served in the Killaloe and Upper Ottawa Valley Detachments, has been Commander of the Physical Surveillance Unit, Section Manager of the Analytical Section of the Provincial Operations Intelligence Bureau, Deputy-Director of the Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau and as Executive Officer for three former Deputy-Commissioners and a former Provincial Commander.
C/Supt. Harkins is a graduate of the Rotman School of Management Police Leadership Program and of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police Global Studies Program.
C/Supt. Harkins oversees more than 1,200 uniformed and civilian members responsible for providing front-line and specialized policing services. East Region covers 43,000 square kilometers with 16-host and 15-satellite detachments.
“I couldn’t be more proud to be appointed to my new position in East Region,” C/Supt. Harkins stated. “I look forward to working with the dedicated members of the OPP as we rise to meet the challenges of policing such a large, diverse area.”
Chief Superintendent Harkin’s father, the late Terry Harkins, served with the OPP Auxiliary for 35 years, retiring as the Auxiliary’s only Chief Superintendent. Chris’ mother still lives in the Pembroke area
