Ottawa police board chair resigns after less than a year

Dr. Gail Beck resigned Thursday as chair of the independent board overseeing the Ottawa Police Service.

In a news release, the board said Beck cited personal reasons for her departure. Vice-chair Salim Fakiraniwill take over as actingchair.

Beck wasrecommended as chair in April by a panel of the mayor and two city councillors, and her appointmentwasconfirmed by city council soon after.

She'sinterim psychiatrist-in-chief and chief of staff at The Royal, Ottawa's mental health centre, according to its website.

The board's draft 2024 budget of $415.5 million was approved last week.