10/19/2026
A Message from the Chief of Police
I have been hearing a number of concerns and questions about the future of the Kensington Police Service, including what policing in our community might look like with reduced hours.
I believe it’s important that residents understand what our police service currently looks like, how we operate, and what we provide to the community.
Our Current Staffing
Chief of Police: I work Monday to Friday, primarily during the day, overseeing the administration and daily operations of the department. I also assist with and lead criminal investigations when required, attend meetings, and provide specialized training and expertise as a fi****ms instructor and am a Drug Recognition Expert. I also am the Vice President of PEI association Chiefs of Police.
Deputy Chief Jim Gotell: Jim brings over 30 years of policing experience from Toronto and a wealth of knowledge to our department. He assists with court matters, investigations, and provides relief in my absence. Jim averages approximately 12 hours per week.
Four Shift Constables: These officers rotate shifts to provide policing coverage 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Generally, there is only one officer working at a time, something I believe is important for residents to understand.
One Casual Constable: She fills in for vacation, sick leave, training and other staffing shortages, helping us maintain coverage while reducing overtime costs.
Two Additional Constables Assigned to JFO and JET: These officers work on provincial joint enforcement initiatives. Both positions are 100% provincially funded, meaning their salaries come at no cost to the Town of Kensington.
In addition, Deputy Chief Gotell and I alternate weeks of being on call to provide operational guidance and backup to our officers when required. We do this at no additional cost to the Town.
Our department also provides criminal record checks, which generate revenue that helps offset a portion of our operating expenses.
What About Reducing Policing Hours?
I think it’s important for residents to understand that the provincial policing standards released in December 2025 require police services to provide 24-hour emergency policing capability.
As Kensington’s municipal police service, we are responsible for ensuring that policing is available to our community around the clock. Simply reducing our hours of operation is not a straightforward option under the current policing framework.
What About the Cost?
I fully recognize that the Town of Kensington is facing financial challenges, and I remain hopeful that our financial position will improve in the years ahead. I understand that Council has difficult decisions to make, and I respect their responsibility to manage taxpayers’ money.
However, I believe that before considering reductions to an essential public safety service, every reasonable opportunity to find savings and efficiencies elsewhere in the Town’s operations should be carefully examined.
Once a community loses its local police service, restoring it may not be a realistic option. These are decisions that deserve careful consideration, not just for today’s budget, but for the future of Kensington.
As Chief, I take my responsibility to taxpayers seriously. I will continue to look for ways to operate our department as efficiently and economically as possible without compromising public safety.
I also believe it’s important to recognize that policing is an essential public safety service, and decisions about its future should consider more than just the financial cost.
More Than Just Policing
Our officers do much more than respond to calls for service. We organize and participate in bicycle rodeos, fishing derbies, food drives, parades, funeral escorts, school visits, and numerous other community initiatives.
We also provide home security checks for residents who are away on vacation or travelling, helping give them peace of mind knowing someone is keeping an eye on their property.
We are here when residents need us most, whether that’s responding to an emergency, investigating a serious crime, assisting a family in crisis, checking on a vulnerable resident, or simply helping someone who needs a hand.
I think it’s also important to note that we have two AEDs in town at all times. That means we can respond in minutes saving lives. Instead of waiting for an ambulance.
We are a small police service, but we are part of this community. We know our residents, our businesses, and our neighbourhoods, and we take pride in providing a level of personal service that goes beyond traditional policing.
Looking Ahead
All of this being said, if it is ultimately the wish of the residents, Town Council, and the Province to move in a different direction with policing, I will respect that decision, support it, and do everything I can to ensure a professional and orderly transition.
In the meantime, I believe residents deserve to understand the entire picture: what their police service costs, how it operates, and, just as importantly, what it provides to this community.
I respect Council’s responsibility to manage the Town’s finances, and I understand the challenges they face. My purpose in sharing this information is not to criticize anyone, but simply to ensure residents have a clear understanding of the police service they currently have.
I am proud of our members and the work they do every day. Whatever challenges lie ahead, my commitment remains the same: to provide the residents of Kensington with professional, accountable, and community-focused policing.
Thank you for your continued support.
Landon Yuill
902-349-9067
Chief of Police
Kensington Police Service
