Supt. Lecky has been promoted to Chief Supt. in NWT (image credit - CFJC Today)
NEW SUPERINTENDENT

Process underway to find Kamloops’ next top cop

Aug 22, 2022 | 4:08 PM

KAMLOOPS — The hiring process to find the next Kamloops RCMP Detachment Commander is underway as Supt. Syd Lecky is moving on to a new post in the Northwest Territories. When he departs, Insp. Jeff Pelley will take over interim command of the detachment.

Supt. Syd Lecky has more than four years of experience as the commander of the Kamloops RCMP detachment. As he prepares to move north, he left some parting wisdom for his successor.

“The next commander coming in will have challenges, there is no question. But, it wouldn’t be worth doing if you didn’t have some challenges in there. I think things are in really good shape,” said Lecky.

Despite the best training and experience, Lecky expressed that flexibility and the ability to react to events like the Juniper fire will be key. He also addressed the importance of mental health in the force.

“As we move forward, be mindful that we are all human, we make the odd mistake. We have to do a better job of looking after our people,” added Lecky.

Finding Lecky’s replacement falls to the feet of Mayor Ken Christian in partnership with the RCMP Southeast Division Chief Superintendent. They are hoping to begin interviews next month.

“I’ve been in touch with the Chief Supt. for the Southeast District, Supt. Brad Haugli. He and myself and (CAO) David Trawin and (Director of Community and Protective Services) Byron McCorkell, will sit down. I believe we’ve set a date in September,” said Christian.

Kamloops city council has approved five new officers every year for the next five years, which Lecky admits will be a positive but also a hurdle for the new boss.

“They have also approved us for… realizing the challenges that we are feeling and working with five members per year for the next five years. That being said our ability to staff those positions is going to be a challenge,” said Lecky.

Kamloops’ top cop hopes to see a different approach come forward in policing, looking at community supports and safe supply.

“I’m hoping to see more with community courts, mental health courts, to be able to support the people we are dealing with. And if there is an opportunity for safe supply… people are dying and what are we doing to help them and we talk about compassion,” stated Lecky.

Lecky’s final day has not been confirmed but he his expected to remain at the detachment into the fall.

(Part one of CFJC’s conversation with Supt. Lecky where he speaks to how the policing landscape has changed during his tenure can be seen here)