CTV.ca News Staff
New RCMP Commissioner William Elliott promise to get out and meet the rank and file and learn about their concerns first-hand.
“Much has been made of what distinguishes me from my predecessors and from the other men and women who serve as regular members of the RCMP,” he said in a statement issued Monday. “More important is what unites us — a commitment to protecting and serving Canadians.
“I recognize the importance of gaining a better understanding of the important work you do. I want to hear your concerns and answer your questions. I’ll have questions for you as well.”
Elliott, a lawyer and veteran public servant, was officially sworn in as the 22nd RCMP commissioner despite never having served as police officer or in the military.
Justice Stephen Brown, a longtime friend of Elliott’s, administered the oath of office. Elliott’s wife Carolyn attended the ceremony.
Although he is now a peace officer and was issued bearing regimental No. O.2438, Elliott did not wear the Mounties’ iconic red serge uniform during the low-key ceremony.
Many RCMP officers feel that the right to wear the uniform must be earned through service, working up through the ranks.
Elliott the fixer
Elliott wasn’t hired to be a cop so much as to be an administrator and fixer. A special investigator has described the force’s current management structure as “horribly broken.”
Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day announced Monday that a five-member task force will study the force’s management problems. David Brown, who identified the problems in a report for the government, will lead that task force.
Police rank-and-file representatives say they are pleased that Elliott named Bill Sweeney as deputy commissioner.
“He’s been a steadfast supporter of the staff relations program and we’re optimistic that frontline members will view this as a positive move,” said Staff-Sgt. Kenn Legge.
Union officials want an independent ombudsman plus a labour relations council for internal disputes.
A staff leader praised Elliott’s promise to get out and meet the members.
“We’re encouraged that he’s heeding our advice to get out and meet the men and women on the front lines to learn about the realities and challenges they face every day,” said Staff-Sgt. Brian Roach, who heads the Staff Relations Representative Program.
“As a civilian, with no previous policing experience, this has to be his first priority. Mr. Elliott is saying the right things, like his commitment to get out and visit detachments across the country, but the jury’s still out. His actions will speak far louder than his words.”
The force has been battered by controversy in recent months. The Maher Arar case, involving a man wrongly branded a terrorist and tortured in Syria, has tarnished the force’s reputation.
More recently, there have been allegations an investigation into problems with the RCMP’s pension and insurance fund was mishandled.
Former RCMP Commissioner Giuliano Zaccardelli resigned in December under a cloud of controversy. He has defended his handling of the insurance and pension issue.
Zaccardelli, a life-long RCMP officer who spent most of his career on the law enforcement side, had been sworn in on Sept. 2, 2000.
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