History of the Kennebecasis Regional Police Force

The Kennebecasis Regional Police Force (KRPF) has a long and proud history of service to the communities of Rothesay and Quispamsis. Our roots trace back to April 1, 1951, when the Rothesay Police Department began operations as the Town’s first formal law enforcement agency.

Early Years: The Beginning of Modern Policing

Before 1951, Rothesay’s law enforcement needs were met by a single constable who worked primarily with the Town Works Department and performed policing duties part‑time. When the Town explored the possibility of contracting the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, it was advised that, as a municipality, it should form its own police department.

As a result, Mr. Harry Darcus Miller was appointed Rothesay’s first full‑time police officer on April 1, 1951. Council records note that his pay was $5.00 per day, with his uniform and equipment provided by the Saint John City Police Chief. His initial gear— a hat, whistle, and badge— was donated.

Constable Miller patrolled entirely on foot, as no patrol car was available. His commitment and ingenuity quickly became well‑known. Without a vehicle or radio, his creative methods included hitching rides to monitor speeding drivers and physically stepping into roadways to stop vehicles after observing traffic violations. His first patrol car—a second‑hand 1942 Dodge Coupe—was later purchased for $325.

Growing Capacity and Regional Partnerships

During the 1950s and 60s, the Department modernized and expanded:

• 1953: Rothesay Police added radio communications.
• 1967: The Department acquired its first radar device, a Stephenson Speedalizer.

Constable Miller maintained a strong working relationship with the RCMP’s Saint John detachment, who relied on simple but effective communication: a coloured towel hung on his clothesline signaled messages awaiting them.

Expansion of Jurisdiction

As surrounding communities grew, policing needs expanded:

• 1969: Rothesay, East Riverside, and Renforth entered a policing agreement, leading to additional officers and the promotion of Harry Miller to Chief.
• 1974: The Village of Fairvale joined the policing area.
• 1978: Quispamsis came under the Department’s jurisdiction, doubling the area served and adding seven officers.

By 1984, regional policing efforts aligned. On January 1, 1984, Rothesay, Quispamsis, Renforth, East Riverside/Kingshurst, Fairvale, and Gondola Point officially formed the Rothesay Regional Police Force, replacing the former Rothesay Police Department.

Leadership Through the Years

Following Chief Harry Miller’s passing in 1975, the police service continued to grow under a series of dedicated Chiefs:

• Grant Lewis (1975–1976)
• Melvin Saunders (1976–1982)
• Cyril L. Oram (1983–1988)
• Thomas Gladney (1988–1998)
• Stephen McIntyre (1998–2016)
• Steve Palmer (2016–2017)
• Wayne Gallant (2017–2021)
• Steve Gourdeau (2021–2025)
• Mike Young (2025–present)

Each Chief contributed to the modernization and professional growth of the service.

A New Name for a Regional Service

When the policing agreement between Rothesay and Quispamsis expired in 2013, the communities recognized the need for a name that better reflected the regional nature of their police service. On March 31, 2014, the agency was officially renamed the Kennebecasis Regional Police Force. This aligned the service with other regional entities such as the Kennebecasis Valley Fire Department and the Kennebecasis Public Library.

KRPF Today

Today, the KRPF includes 43 sworn officers serving a combined population of approximately 34,000 residents across Rothesay and Quispamsis. The Force is fully equipped with modern technology and provides a full range of policing services to keep the community safe.

Despite decades of growth, change, and modernization, one thing remains constant: the dedication to professional, community‑focused policing first established by Constable Harry Miller in 1951.

BOARD OF GOVERNANCE

Police Commission

The Kennebecasis Regional Joint Board of Police Commissioners provides oversight and guidance to support the effective administration and organization of the KRPF. The Board helps ensure that the police service remains professional, reliable, and aligned with the needs of the community.

The Board is made up of nine members. Each mayor appoints two council representatives and two town representatives.  Once a member is appointed by the Department of Public Safety.  The Chief of Police serves as an ex‑officio, non‑voting member.