(Prince Albert Daily Herald) - It’s a fair statement to say that the RCMP is in a state of crisis. It lacks direction, lacks long-term plans for recruit retention and, moreover, lacks a visible leader with the power, passion and energy required to take a cherished organization into the future.
We, however, would like to expand on an idea raised by a media peer.
On Saturday, Ottawa Citizen columnist Margaret Kopala raised a perfect candidate: soon-to-retire leader of the Canadian armed forces, Gen. Rick Hillier.
“The celebrated and soon to be former chief of defense staff is a natural for the job of RCMP Commissioner. Not only would the forces readily accept a ‘civilian’ of his stature in an RCMP uniform, but he is just the man to speak up for the officers, to motivate and to guide them,” Kopala wrote.
We heartily agree. One of the key strengths Hillier brought to a very challenging position at the helm of this nation’s military was a refreshing openness, and a blunt but effective transparency.
Hillier challenged not one, but two different governments, impressing upon both the overly militaristic Conservatives and somewhat over-cautious Liberals the need to constantly redefine the mission in Afghanistan. He has been a vocal advocate for the need to improve the overall depth and strength of Canada’s military, a tireless supporter for his front-line troops and a keen instructor to the Canadian people on matters previously left behind closed doors.
It takes little energy to think that a similar approach would do wonders for the RCMP.
We tip our hat to Kopala for the idea, and heartily endorse the idea for its merit.
2 responses so far ↓
1 Budguy // May 5, 2008 at 20:40
I served under Gen Hillier. I would never want a man with his positive attributes to be in any way associated with the RCMP. They don’t deserve him. The problem is that the RCMP is incapable of making their own man like Gen Hillier. After 10 years of riding in a cruiser on a reserve you take a few classes and write a test. After that and a few breaks your the head of the RCMP! The whole system needs to be reevaluated. The RCMP is too large to be governed like it was when it was the NWMP. They need to create a rank system similar the military where there are constables and officers. It is the task of the officers to lead the detachments and to enforce the policies of the RCMP. That way you would have a person in charge of the RCMP who has really been in a leadership role his/her whole career and not just for the last little while.
2 GetReal // May 6, 2008 at 18:05
What country are you from? Doesn’t matter, check your internet and you will see that is exactly how the RCMP is run.
You must log in to post a comment.