Executive Members

President: Chief Robert J. Walsh

Chief Robert J. Walsh has 32 years of extensive policing experience across general duty patrols, school liaison, traffic services, street crime & drugs, major crime, watch command and emergency response, with 10 years of senior leadership managing patrols, training, operational support, human resources and finance & administration.

He came to policing from the Atlantic Police Academy in 1991, following a Bachelor of Business Administration from Cape Breton University and French Immersion Program at Université Saint Ann, serving for the Sydney Mines, Sydney and Cape Breton Regional Police services, as well as a short period with the RCMP in Nova Scotia. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts from Cape Breton University, a Certificate in Police Leadership from Dalhousie University, and is a certified Use of Force and Firearms Instructor, Critical Incident Commander and Major Case Team Commander.

Chief Walsh is passionate about safe and healthy communities and is a strong supporter of initiatives that build and foster community resilience. He has served on Boards and projects within the Cape Breton Regional Centre for Education, Nova Scotia Health Authority and Nova Scotia Department of Justice; participated in mentorship and liaison between community and police; led programs for occupational safety, health and wellness in policing; coached minor hockey and soccer, and volunteered with community sports teams and events. Chief Walsh is a long-standing member of the NS LETR Provincial Organizing Committee and proudly participated in the Final Leg running teams for the Special Olympics National Games in both BC and Nova Scotia.

In addition to Vice President of the NSCPA, Chief Walsh is Co-Chair of its Executive Development Committee, a member of the Nova Scotia Department of Justice Policing Standards Committee and a member of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police. He is a recipient of both the Police Exemplary Service Medal and the Nova Scotia Police Long Service Medal.

Vice President: Chief Scott Feener

Chief Feener started his career with the Metropolitan Toronto Police Service July 1989 where he worked patrol.   He was a graduate of the Ontario police college where he obtained his police certificate.

In June 1993 Scott joined the Bridgewater Police Service.  He has worked in patrol, investigations and was seconded to the Criminal Intelligence Services of Nova Scotia for a number of years. In September 2007 he was promoted to Sergeant in charge of the General Investigation Section until he returned to patrol as a shift supervisor August 2010.

In December 2011 he was promoted to Deputy Chief where he was in charge of operations.  In August 2016 he was appointed as the Acting Chief of Police and in September 2018 he subsequently appointed the permanent position of Chief of Police.

Scott in a member of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police. He sits on the executive of the Nova Scotia Chiefs of Police as secretary.  He is also a member of the National Police Information Services Advisory Board, representing the Nova Scotia Chiefs of Police.

Scott has received a Chief’s Commendation as well as a Commanding Officer’s Certificate of Outstanding Service from the RCMP. He has received his Police Exemplary Service Medal for 20 years of service as well as the Nova Scotia Long Service Medal for 15 years.

Secretary:   Chief Daniel J. Kinsella, M.O.M.

Serving as Chief of Police since July 1, 2019, Chief Dan Kinsella leads Halifax Regional Police, Atlantic Canada’s largest municipal police service.

Chief Kinsella has 34 years of experience in policing and management, and, served as Deputy Chief with Hamilton Police Service (HPS) prior to his current role as Chief. Chief Kinsella continues to work with national and provincial law enforcement partners and key stakeholders on officer and public safety initiatives.

Chief Kinsella is a member of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP), the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the FBI National Academy (FBINA).

Committed to the philosophy and concept of community-based policing, Chief Kinsella recognizes that strong, sustained community partnerships are integral to effective crime prevention for a healthy and safe community.  As part of that, he believes in maintaining a visible presence in the community and actively supporting local and city-wide events. Throughout his career, he has supported activities that help bridge relationships; celebrate and honour community builders; promote a shared dialogue, good citizenship, fairness and respect for each other.

Past President: Chief David MacNeil BA, M.O.M.

David MacNeil is a twenty-five year member of the Truro Police Service.   During that time he served as patrol Constable, then Corporal and was promoted to Patrol Sergeant in 2000 where he served as shift supervisor until August of 2005 when he was promoted to Deputy Chief. In October 2008 Chief MacNeil was promoted to his current position as Chief of Police.

Chief MacNeil has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology and Sociology from Saint Mary’s University, and is a graduate of the Atlantic Police Academy. He has completed an Executive Certificate in Local Government at Dalhousie University, and has studied at the Canadian Police College, and the Atlantic Police Academy. Chief MacNeil graduated from the Executive Development in Policing Program at the Canadian Police College in October 2007.  He is the recipient of the Nova Scotia Police Long Service Medal and the police Exemplary Service Medal.   In 2012 Chief MacNeil was selected to receive the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.  In 2019 was invested into the Order of Merit of Canada for Police Forces.

Chief MacNeil serves on several training and advisory committees in Nova Scotia. He is a member of both the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, and a past Executive member of the Nova Scotia Chiefs of Police Association.  He was a long time volunteer coach with Truro and Area Minor hockey Association and the Central Colchester Soccer Association, and is the head coach of the Cobequid Educational Centre Girls High School basketball team, and has coached a Club Team with Basketball Nova Scotia.

Chief MacNeil serves on the Board of Directors of the Colchester East Hants Mental Health Association, the Schools Plus Board, Colchester Partners Board, and is a campaign volunteer with the United Way of Colchester County.

Chief MacNeil was presented with the Colchester County/Town of Truro 2017 volunteer of the year Award at a ceremony in April 2017.