The Eagle

Canton names new police director/police chief

Joseph Bialy has been named as the new Canton Township Director of Police Services/Police Chief.

Bialy was officially sworn into his new rank at the regular meeting of the Canton Township board of Trustees last week. He had been serving as the interim police chief following the retirement of former Director Chad Baugh. In his new role, will provide strategic leadership and oversight for the law enforcement agency consisting of 145 full-time employees, including 102 sworn police officers, according to a township spokesman.

Bialy joined the CALEA-accredited Canton Police Department in 2005 after serving several years with the Detroit Police Department. Throughout his career, he has commanded and overseen many department operations, including Patrol, Investigations, Records, Training, Professional Standards, and the accreditation and re-accreditation programs for the department.

Bialy earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Degree from Madonna University and a Master of Science Degree from Eastern Michigan University.  He is a graduate of the 33rd Session of Eastern Michigan University's Executive Leadership Program, the 19th Session of the Department of Homeland Security Leadership Academy, and the 296th Session of the FBI National Academy. Bialy is an active member of the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police and serves as co-chair of the Canton Coalition for Inclusive Communities and the Canton Police Transparency and Guidance Committee. 

Bialy said he believes that strong community partnerships, accountability, and professional development are essential to building public trust and ensuring the department remains prepared to meet the evolving needs of our community.
“Chief Bialy brings more than two decades of experience, proven leadership and the confidence of the Canton Police Department to his new position. His commitment to protecting crime victims, as well as community policing, our embedded clinician program, youth diversion programs, and modernizing department policies, including our use of force policy, reflects the thoughtful, forward-looking leadership we want in Canton Township,” said Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak.  “I have tremendous confidence in Joe and his ability to lead the Canton Police Department into its next chapter.”

Bialy’s wife, three daughters and his mother joined numerous friends and co-workers in congratulating him on his new position during his official swearing in ceremony last week.