Introduction: Controversy Surrounds Key Legal Appointment
The London Police Services Board (LPSB) faced scrutiny on Friday following its announcement that former board chair Ali Chahbar has been hired as general legal counsel to Police Chief Thai Truong. While the position represents a newly created leadership role within the service, questions have arisen due to Chahbar’s prior employment and involvement in a financial and compliance audit at the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB).
Board officials defended the hiring decision, emphasizing qualifications and governance over optics, amid concerns stemming from a recent PricewaterhouseCoopers audit of Chahbar’s previous role.
New Leadership Structure and the Hiring of Chahbar
Position Details and Board Statement
Chahbar’s appointment comes as part of a broader restructuring within the London Police Service’s leadership team. The role of general counsel to the chief replaces the former senior director of legal services, which has been phased out.
LPSB Chair Ryan Gauss addressed the controversy, stating, “Our job is not to worry about optics. Our job is to worry about governance. And our job is to do what’s best for the service of which we are responsible for. And the best thing to do is to put the most qualified people in the positions.”
Gauss further clarified that there was “no inside baseball” in the hiring process and that Chahbar was not privy to any confidential information that might have influenced the decision.
Police Chief’s Perspective
Chief Thai Truong, first appointed under Chahbar’s tenure as board chair in 2023, reiterated that he had no involvement in or knowledge of the matters cited in the TVDSB audit. Truong compared the situation to internal promotion processes within the police service, noting that procedural lapses do not automatically reflect on the individual being promoted.
“If we skipped a step where perhaps an inspector or superintendent did not sign off…I don’t hold that sergeant, or staff sergeant or that person who earned that promotion, who went through all of those steps, to account,” Truong said.
Background: TVDSB Audit and Financial Concerns
Audit Findings and Procedural Issues
The scrutiny surrounding Chahbar stems from his former role as general legal counsel at the Thames Valley District School Board. A PricewaterhouseCoopers audit highlighted concerns over financial management and compliance during his tenure.
Specifically, the report noted that Chahbar received back-to-back promotions—first in 2021, then in 2023. The latter promotion included a salary increase of $72,000 over three years but reportedly did not follow proper procedural channels. Mark Fisher, who was then director of education, did not obtain trustee approval for the promotion, a step mandated by board policy.
Chahbar has maintained that he was unaware of any procedural irregularities and described the promotion as one he earned through effort and dedication. “It was a promotion that I put in a lot of time, effort, and resources to earn. And it was really unbeknownst to me that there may have been some seemingly procedural step that may not have been completed by someone at the organization,” he said.
Timeline of Employment and Audit
Chahbar took a leave of absence from TVDSB in March 2025, citing health reasons. The 10-month audit was completed in April 2025, shortly after which he stepped down as LPSB chair. The posting for the legal counsel position with the police service went live in July 2025, with a deadline of Aug. 1, and Chahbar formally resigned from TVDSB in October 2025.
Broader Leadership Changes at the London Police Service
Appointment of Chief Administrative Officer
In addition to Chahbar’s hiring, the LPSB announced the appointment of Roger Ramkissoon as the first-ever Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the London Police Service. Ramkissoon previously served as CAO of the Cobourg Police Service, bringing experience in police administration to the newly created role.
Extension of Deputy Chiefs’ Contracts
The board also confirmed contract extensions for Deputy Chiefs Paul Bastien and Trina MacSween, keeping them in leadership positions until the end of 2032.
Governance Role for Board Executive Director
Meanwhile, LPSB Executive Director Stephanie Johanssen has been promoted to Chief Governance Officer, reflecting the board’s focus on structured oversight and accountability within the service.
Addressing Public Concerns
Questions About Conflict of Interest
Chahbar’s prior connection to TVDSB and the audit report raised questions about potential conflicts of interest in his hiring. Board officials emphasized that due diligence was conducted and that Chahbar was not involved in any decisions that could have influenced his selection.
Gauss underscored the importance of qualifications and expertise in filling the position, noting that the board’s responsibility is governance, not public perception.
Transparency and Governance
The board’s defense highlights the balance between maintaining public trust and ensuring competent leadership within the police service. By appointing individuals with proven legal and administrative experience, the board seeks to strengthen the service’s operational and governance framework, even amid scrutiny over past employment matters.
Conclusion: A Focus on Expertise and Governance
While Ali Chahbar’s appointment as general legal counsel has drawn public attention due to his prior roles and the TVDSB audit, London Police Services Board officials maintain that the hiring was based on merit and experience. The board has stressed that there was no impropriety, and Chief Thai Truong and other leadership members support the decision.
As the London Police Service implements a restructured leadership model, the emphasis remains on ensuring effective governance, legal oversight, and administrative efficiency—objectives the board says Chahbar is uniquely qualified to support.