Daniel J. Kinsella

Serving as Chief of Police since July 1, 2019, Chief Dan Kinsella leads Halifax Regional Police, Atlantic Canada’s largest municipal police service.

Chief Kinsella has 33 years of experience in policing and management, and, served as Deputy Chief with Hamilton Police Service (HPS) prior to his current role as Chief. Working with national and provincial law enforcement partners, Chief Kinsella acted as HPS’ command lead for multi-jurisdictional investigations and major case management, including, homicide, provincial internet child exploitation, human trafficking, fraud, drug, and weapons investigations, and traditional organized crime investigations.

Chief Kinsella is a member of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP), the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and the FBI National Academy (FBINA). He serves on the Canadian Police College Advisory Board and is Past President of the FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA) New York State/Eastern Canada Chapter Board. He is also a life member of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP).

Committed to the philosophy and concept of community-based policing, Chief Kinsella recognizes that strong, sustained community partnerships are integral to effective crime prevention for a healthy and safe community. As part of that, he believes in maintaining a visible presence in the community and actively supporting local and city-wide events. Throughout his career, he has supported activities that help bridge relationships; celebrate and honour community builders; promote a shared dialogue, good citizenship, fairness and respect for each other.

His contributions to community initiatives include his advocacy, volunteerism and service as President of the John Howard Society Board of Directors, representing Hamilton, Burlington and area, as well as, Chair and member of the Banyan Community Services Board of Directors. Chief Kinsella was a member of the Aboriginal Committee and the Women’s Services Advisory Committee and volunteered as Director with HPS “Project Concern”- an in-house community outreach program.

In September 2018, Chief Kinsella was part of a cycling ride team of 170 law enforcement and police officers from across Canada who participated in the Canadian Police Memorial Ride to Remember 700 km ride from the Ontario Police College in Aylmer to the National Police & Peace Officers' Memorial in Ottawa.

Chief Kinsella was invested as a member of the Governor General’s Order of Merit of the Police Forces for distinguished policing, community, and public service. In recognition of his commitment to policing and the community, he has received the Queen’s, Diamond Jubilee Medal. As a member of the Pan Am Games Team, he received the Hamilton City Manager's Award for Hamilton Public Service Excellence.

Chief Kinsella is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Rotman School of Business. He holds a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from American Military University and a Bachelor of Arts in Labour Studies from McMaster University.