Dean Simmonds

Superintendent Dean Simmonds began his law enforcement career in 1997 and currently serves as the officer-in-charge of Support, a position he has held since November 2019. He oversees information management and support operations including traffic, prisoner care and ports/aviation security.

Before joining Halifax Regional Police, he was a community constable with the RCMP. He joined HRP in 2001 and was named Cadet of the Year in his first year of service with HRP. In 2007, he was honoured as Police Officer of the Year. Prior to his role as Superintendent, Support, he worked in many operational and investigative units including guns and gangs, special enforcement and community response and crime prevention. He also served as the Diversity Equity Officer between 2008 and 2012.

Superintendent Simmonds has continued to expand his professional development through programs from Dalhousie University, Hensen College and the Simon Wiesethal Center. He continues to play a leadership role in developing and implementing various workshops and training programs with a focus on promoting diversity, workplace equity, human rights and leadership.

He has served as a member of the HRP Strategic Planning Team, HRP/RCMP Integrated Cultural Diversity Committee and Race Relation Advisory Committee in the past. He is also a board member of Basketball Nova Scotia. He continues to remain a dedicated community member both personally and professionally and is active in the community, providing mentorship programs and community lead initiatives focusing on diversity and leadership.