Windsor Police mark formal change of command as Jason Crowley sworn in as chief

Changing of the guard at Windsor Police Headquarters as the new chief takes over. CTV Windsor’s Chris Campbell reports.

Jason Crowley was officially sworn in as Windsor’s new police chief on Tuesday, marking the ceremonial start of a leadership transition that has been months in the making.

Crowley was appointed to the top job in late November, succeeding former chief Jason Bellaire. But a formal Change of Command ceremony held at the Windsor Police Training Branch brought together officers, community leaders and law enforcement partners to publicly recognize the new chief.

“It’s an amazing piece to show the support of the community that we have,” Crowley said following the ceremony.

“The community leaders and law enforcement across this province – we had people from out of town – just great of them to come for a short ceremony and show their support.”

The event featured traditional elements of police protocol, including bagpipes and the marching in of the colours, underscoring the symbolic importance of the occasion.

Crowley described the experience as both humbling and emotional.

“It’s a bit overwhelming,” he said. “You just realize the support that is there for people and my family and the community partners that have stepped forward for us. It’s just a great feeling.”

Although Tuesday marked the formal public handover, Crowley has already been working in the chief’s office for several months, after being named as retired chief Jason Bellaire’s successor in November.

“The fact that I’ve been working in that office for a few years already, there wasn’t too many curveballs thrown at me yet,” he said. “I’m sure they’re coming, but right now it’s been nice to get the wheels turning on the car, and we’re starting to get things done.”

Looking ahead, Crowley said his focus will remain on the core responsibilities of policing.

“The priorities don’t change,” he said. “We’re talking about core functions of policing. We’re talking about helping the vulnerable community, and we’re talking about helping our members overall.”

A strong theme of the day was the importance of cross-border partnerships.

Among the guests in attendance was Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison, who emphasized the close working relationship between the neighbouring cities.

“Windsor, Detroit, we’re connected by the bridge,” Bettison explained. “So many Canadians work in the city of Detroit. We come to the city of Windsor, and as law enforcement, it’s a brotherhood and sisterhood here. And it’s about public safety.”

Bettison noted that the international border presents unique challenges that require ongoing cooperation.

“Crime has no border,” he stated. “When it comes to contraband that comes across the bridge into both of our cities, that’s something that we share information on to make sure we’re protecting the community.”

Crowley said he was grateful to see Detroit police leadership attend the ceremony.

“It was great to see the chief and the deputy chief from Detroit here,” he said. “It’s such a valuable partnership. Even though we police two different municipalities in two different countries, the support of law enforcement and the realization how important that relationship is with the Detroit police is key.”

Beyond the formalities, Crowley said the ceremony served as a public reaffirmation of the service’s commitment to residents.

“A lot of it is tradition, but it really is that commitment to the community to say, ‘hey, things haven’t changed,’” he said. “You have our word that we are here for the community.”

He acknowledged the challenges facing modern policing, but offered reassurance that the service will remain focused on its mandate.

“They’re challenging times right now,” Crowley said. “But the community of Windsor, the community of Amherstburg, you can be sure that the Windsor Police will be there for them. And we work every day to keep the trust.”

Crowley began his tenure with a three-year contract and more than three decades of experience with the Windsor Police Service.