New Staff Superintendents Bring Experience to Leadership

Members of the Toronto Police Service Board (TPSB) were introduced to newly promoted Staff Superintendents by Chief Myron Demkiw at the Toronto Police Service Board meeting on June 24, 2024. These five leaders bring a huge amount of policing experience to the highest ranks of the Service. Staff Superintendents hold the rank just below Deputy Chief.

Kelly Skinner

Kelly Skinner is a life long investigator who knew at a very young age that she wanted to pursue a criminal justice career. The goal became clear after being inspired to join the service in 1998 by retired officer Terry James, the first black female officer in TPS history to perform the full duties of a police officer.

Skinner, who obtained her diploma in the Law & Security program at Sheridan College and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of Guelph-Humber, is responsible for overseeing East Field – Community Safety Command (EFCSC). EFCSC includes the uniform divisions in the east end of the city.

With a wealth of Uniform Policing experience, Skinner developed an extensive background in various forms of investigation. As she moved through Major Squads, Skinner honed strengths in, authoring and executing Part VI wiretap affidavits, search warrants, investigation of serious violent crimes, drug investigations, and the gathering of gang intelligence. She was a district commander at 11 and 12 Divisions, second in command at 22 and 23 divisions, and was a Duty Senior Officer for the Toronto Police Operations Centre.

Skinner’s dedication to fostering strong relationships and collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities is evident through her involvement in the Service’s Police and Community Engagement Review (PACER) 2.0 committee and her role as a member of the Board of Directors with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto. 

“This is a significant achievement,” said Skinner on being the first female black officer to reach the rank of Staff Superintendent. “My family’s support has played a crucial role in my journey and promotes the importance of a strong support system. It also highlights the progress being made towards diversity and inclusion within our Service and, hopefully, this inspires other young women – particularly those of colour – to aspire to leadership roles within law enforcement where we are under-represented.”

Shannon Dawson

Shannon brings 29 years policing experience and has served on the Drug and Homicide Squads, Source Management Section and was the 32 Division and Intelligence Services Unit Commander.

Her extensive knowledge and experience in police operations, investigations and community policing has prepared her well for her new position as head of Professionalism & Accountability.

“This opportunity not only allows me to contribute more effectively to public safety and community trust, but also to support and advocate for the needs and well-being of our dedicated members who serve with integrity and commitment every day,” she said. “I look forward to the challenges this new role brings.”

In addition, Dawson served as the Acting Staff Superintendent of Field Services and the Community Safety Command where she oversaw the Community Partnerships & Engagement Unit, Communications, the Public Safety Response Team and Traffic Services.

Dawson has a Honours Bachelor of Applied Arts in Justice Studies from the University of Guelph-Humber, and was also the Staff Superintendent of East Field Command, and oversaw eight Divisions in the city’s east side.

Joe Matthews

Joe Matthews brings 32 years of policing experience to his new role as head of Detective Operations.

“This opportunity represents the pinnacle of my career because it allows me to lead and support a dedicated team of Detectives in our mission to ensure public safety while improving public trust and confidence,” said Matthews.

Matthews has extensive experience across various Divisions and specializations. He served in 13, 12 and 55 Divisions, and developed a deep understanding of diverse urban landscapes.

He has also worked in multiple investigative units, tackling some of the most challenging and complex cases.

“My assignments in the Drug Squad, Hold-Up Squad, Guns & Gangs and Intelligence equipped me with specialized knowledge and expertise in criminal investigations, enforcement operations and intelligence gathering,” he said.

In addition to his investigative work, Joe worked in Professional Standards, and was also assigned to an international posting with the New York City Police Department where he served as an international liaison focused on national security.

He has led several high-impact corporate initiatives, including PACER, Missing & Missed and was the Acting Staff Superintendent in Strategy Management. Through these initiatives Staff Superintendent Matthews has developed strong ties to the community.

Brett Nicol

Brett Nicol is a nationally recognized expert on major gun Gun and Gang investigations and has led teams through complex large-scale investigations and community engagement to improve public safety.

He now leads the Community Safety Command-West Field.

“I am excited to assume the opportunities and challenges in this new role,” Nicol said. “I would not have achieved it without the loyal support of my colleagues, friends and family. I look forward to my continued work with the Divisions to provide effective and efficient operations to respond to emerging trends and address community safety. I will also prioritize health, safety and well-being for our members.”

He was a Court Officer before becoming a police officer, starting at 52 Division.

His passion for investigative work led to work with the Hold-Up and Homicide Squads, Gun & Gang Task Force and OCE-Major Project Section.

As a Senior Officer, Nicol led the Professional Standards Criminal Investigation Section along with 33 and 52 Divisions.

He also established important partnerships and networks to achieve successful outcomes on multi-jurisdictional, national and international levels. He has worked hard to build trust and create strong community relationships. His collaboration with the community has been an effective tool to co-design, co-develop and co-deliver collaborative solutions to resolve local issues.

Frank Barredo

Frank Barredo is proud of his nearly 38 years of service with Canada’s largest municipal police organization.

He is recognized for his tactical expertise and operational knowledge. His experience within various Public Safety Operations units will serve him well in his new role as head of Public Safety Operations.

 “I really do have a keen interest in these specialized areas of operation and I hope that the members I will be working for can sense how much I care about what they do and the passion I will bring in support of their efforts,” said Barredo, who has led Project Resolute since January 24, 2024.

Barredo joined the service in 1986 and was promoted through the ranks and served as a member of the Emergency Task Force and a Frontline Supervisor at 53 Division.

Barredo was promoted to Inspector in 2012, and served as the Duty Desk Senior Officer and second in Command of the Emergency Management & Public Order Unit. He was also seconded to the Transformational Task Force.

Barredo also developed our Public Safety Response Team, an essential unit in our ability to deliver community safety in Toronto.

Barredo was a part of the 43 Division, Professional Standards Support-Corporate Risk Management, Court Services-Public Safety Operations and Toronto Police College Unit.

Over the last four months he has managed hundreds of dynamic and challenging demonstrations as Commander and the Incident Commander of Project Resolute. Barredo understands public order and the need to be strategic about public safety while managing competing demands on the service.