A former Rainy River District detachment commander has attained a new position within the OPP.
As of Oct. 12, Shaun Crabbe, who previously held the role of Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) superintendent for the North West Region, was promoted to chief superintendent.
Chief superintendent is a senior leadership role within OPP ranks. Some key duties for personnel holding this title include overseeing divisions, regional commands or specialized branches, directing officers and equipment allocation, managing budgets and planning wide-spread policies.
Crabbe said in a press statement that he will lead policing operations across the region while continuing to strengthen relationships with municipalities, Indigenous communities, community partners and stakeholders.
“As Chief of the North West Region, my priority is to lead a modern, responsive and collaborative service that embraces technological and operational innovation, invests in the resilience and development of our people, and strengthens our ability to meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve,” he said. “We are committed to attracting and retaining exceptional employees, enhancing traffic and public safety, and building trusted partnerships that keep our communities safe.”
Originally from New Brunswick, Crabbe studied psychology and criminology at St. Thomas University and served in the Canadian Armed Forces as a member of the primary reserves for six years prior to joining the OPP.
Despite his background in Canada’s east, Crabbe is no stranger to northwestern Ontario.
From 2014 to 2019, he served the northwestern region of Ontario as commander of the Red Lake Detachment, leaving the area to take command of the West Parry Sound Detachment.
In 2021 he returned to the region to assume the role of commander of the Rainy River District Detachment.
Staying dedicated to policing in northwestern Ontario, Crabbe accepted a promotion in 2023 to the region’s superintendent. He remained this role until his latest promotion to chief superintendent last month.
