The Prince Albert Board of Police Commissioners has named an interim chief to oversee the Prince Albert Police Service (PAPS).

In a media release sent out Wednesday afternoon the board announced the appointment of Patrick Nogier as interim chief. Nogier is a 30 year member of the Saskatoon Police Service, where he most recently served as superintendent of the Criminal Investigations Division. He will be officially assuming his new role on Thursday.

Nogier will be serving as interim chief until a permanent replacement can be found. The process of finding a new permanent police chief is expected to take up to six months.

In the media release Janet Carriere, the chair for the board of police commissioners welcomed the interim chief and added the board is looking forward to working with him.

“We look forward to working together toward change that is necessary to ensure a safe community that is confident in the brave men and women of our service,” she said.

The new interim chief said in the same media release he is honored to be named as the interim chief. Nogier said he has some basic goals in mind when it comes to assuming leadership of PAPS.

“Right from June 1 my goal will be stability and harmony within the Prince Albert Police Service for the benefit of the community it serves,” he said.

The Prince Albert Police Association, which represents sworn members along with some civilian employees also welcomed the interim chief’s appointment.

“We know there will be many changes and some challenges, but we are looking forward to a bright future for the service and community,” said association president Nolan Carter.

The appointment of an interim chief comes after PAPS previous chief Jonathan Bergen announced his retirement following the publication of a report about PAPS handling of the death of baby Tanner Brass.