Kolin Alexander appointed York Region superintendent

By Kojo

Kolin Alexander has been promoted to the rank of Superintendent with York Regional Police, becoming the highest-ranking Black officer in the force, a milestone widely celebrated by the community he has served for more than two decades.

“I’ve received a lot of love, support, and well wishes from the community,” Alexander said in a recent interview. “It keeps me humble. The people have continued to love me and never stopped, even as I’ve taken on new responsibilities.”

Alexander now oversees approximately 230 officers and staff at the Richmond Hill District headquarters, leading one of York Region’s busiest divisions. “If you walk into a station in Toronto, the person in charge of that building is a superintendent,” he explained. “That’s essentially my role now.”

But beyond the badge, Alexander is also well known throughout the Caribbean community as DJ Soca Vibes, a fixture on the local music scene, and in Toronto’s Carnival through his work with Saldenah Carnival, one of the city’s most celebrated mas’ bands. His enduring presence in music and mas’ making has made him a bridge between law enforcement and the vibrant Caribbean culture that defines much of the region’s social life.

“People still see me as someone they can approach, sit with, and talk to,” he said. “They’ve told me, ‘We don’t always like police, but we like Kolin.’ That kind of trust is humbling.”

Alexander acknowledges the path paved by earlier Black leaders in policing, including former superintendents Chris Bullen and Mo James, and deputy chiefs Robertson Rouse and Andre Crawford.

While he remains modest about his achievement, Alexander recognizes that leadership transitions could create new opportunities. With the current chief set to retire in 2027, he said simply, “Anything is possible. I’m focused on doing my best in this role and continuing to serve the community.”

A recent private celebration, organized by his partner in honor of his late mother, captured the spirit of his journey. “She would have wanted me to be celebrated,” Alexander said. “It wasn’t about the title, it was about recognizing the journey.”

For York Region and the wider Caribbean-Canadian community, that journey continues to inspire, both on duty and on the road to Carnival.

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