The new Executive Director of the Atlantic Police Academy will be Chief Edgar MacLeod, Holland College President Dr. Brian McMillan announced today.

A graduate of the Atlantic Police Academy in 1973, Chief MacLeod brings a wealth of experience in policing, leadership and management. He has been Chief of Police for the Cape Breton Regional Police Service for the last 12 years. Prior to that, he was Chief of Police for the New Waterford Police Department. He served in the City of Sydney Police Department for 16 years, and in police departments in Shelburne, Nova Scotia and Charlottetown, P.E.I. throughout his 34-year career.

In 1994, Chief MacLeod received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University College of Cape Breton, majoring in Psychology with a Business Communication minor, and earning a spot on the Dean's List all three years. He was also the recipient of the Alteen Trophy, awarded for scholastic achievement and leadership.

In 2006, a Doctor of Laws degree was conferred upon him by Cape Breton University. He was also the recipient of the Canadian Police Leadership Award and the Donald Ferguson Community Health Leadership Award in 2005. In 2003, he received an Order of Merit of the Police Forces from then Governor-General Adrienne Clarkson.

In addition to presenting and lecturing at many justice and policing-related conferences, Chief MacLeod has delivered keynote addresses at events such as the International Police Leaders Summit and the Canadian Privacy Security/Security Conference.

He is Past President of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and the Nova Scotia Chiefs of Police, and is currently Co-Chair of the Canadian Police Sector Council, which was established to focus on recruitment and retention with the policing community across Canada.

"As a well-respected member of the policing community, I am sure that Chief MacLeod's blend of outstanding leadership and management skills will enable the Atlantic Police Academy to continue to adapt and grow as one of Canada's premiere training centres," Dr. McMillan said.

Chief MacLeod said that he is looking forward to leading the Atlantic Police Academy as it continues to build on its reputation.

"Public safety and policing challenges are increasingly becoming more complex. The importance of police training and education are critical components in meeting these challenges," he said.

"The Atlantic Police Academy and Holland College have built a solid reputation in the policing sector. I am honoured to be chosen as the new director to help keep the APA in the forefront of police training in Canada."

Chief MacLeod will join the college officially in January of 2008.