The police chief in Halifax is retiring after a rocky final chapter of his career in the city.

Dan Kinsella made the announcement at the city police board meeting on Wednesday.

“After 37 years of policing, today I am announcing my retirement. It’s been an honour and a privilege, and I am grateful to the Halifax Board of Police Commissioners and Halifax Regional Council for the opportunity to serve as Chief of Police for the last four years,” said Halifax Regional Police Chief Dan Kinsella. “My greatest thanks go out to HRP members whose professionalism and dedication I have witnessed with the greatest pride and gratitude, to members of Hamilton Police Service before then and all those professionals that I’ve had the honour to serve alongside.”

Kinsella watched over the city as it tried to deal with tense relationships between the force and minorities, low moral and the riot in downtown Halifax over the removal of homeless tents and sheds from municipal property.

Kinsella began his policing career in 1986, and moved to Halifax in July 2019. He served for 33 years with Hamilton Police Service, retiring as Deputy Chief.

Kinsella’s retirement will take effect on September 15.

The city will begin the search for the next police chief in the coming weeks and an interim leader will be named in the coming days.

“Chief Kinsella led Halifax Regional Police through a tumultuous period within society at large and policing in particular, with challenging circumstances that included a global pandemic, growing calls for accountability in policing internationally and locally, and, tragedies that impacted our own communities,” said Halifax Board of Police Commissioners Chair Becky Kent. “We thank him for his leadership throughout this difficult time with his sharp focus on public safety and operational continuity.”

“On behalf of the Halifax Regional Municipality, I thank Chief Kinsella for his dedication to policing and his service to our residents,” said Halifax Regional Municipality Chief Administrative Officer Cathie O’Toole. “The municipality will work closely with the Board of Police Commissioners to support a smooth leadership transition for Halifax Regional Police.”