CTV News has confirmed that Larkin has been appointed to a senior position in the RCMP. An internal announcement sent Thursday by RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki, received by CTV News, announced the hiring of Larkin as Deputy Commissioner for Specialized Policing Services. Larkin referred to the note as saying he was proud to be part of what he called an “iconic Canadian organization”. The note said Larkin would replace Deputy Commissioner Steve White, who retired on Thursday, April 14. Waterloo Regional Police confirmed Larkin’s move, but declined to comment further. CTV News also asked RCMP for comment, but received no response Thursday. Waterloo Regional Police announced Larkin’s resignation on Thursday afternoon in a press release. According to the announcement, Larkin will work with the WRPS board on a transition date and an interim leader will be appointed before his departure. Larkin has been WRPS police chief for almost eight years. His career in policing lasts 31 years. “It has been a real honor to lead this organization for the past eight years and to serve alongside the incredible members who are committed daily to public safety and well-being,” Larkin said in part. He thanked the members of the WRPS for their services and sacrifices and the residents of the Waterloo area and the members of the police council for their support and trust in him. Larkin began his WRPS policing career in 1991 working as a front-line police officer in Kitchener, later reaching the rank of Chief Executive Officer. Prior to becoming Chief of the Waterloo Regional Police Department on 31 August 2014, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff and then Chief of the Guelph Police Department. Karen Redman, chair of the Waterloo Regional Police Service, wished Larkin every success in his future endeavors and congratulated him on his “legacy of excellence.” “His leadership, vision and passion for policing were essential to the development of the Waterloo Regional Police Service, as well as countless community organizations and aspiring leaders,” Redman said in a statement. Larkin is also the current president of the Canadian Association of Police Chiefs. He was elected to the role in August 2020 for a two-year term.
