First Civilian RCMP Commissioner Says Successor Should Come From Inside the Force

Outgoing RCMP chief William Elliott is recommending that the government return to the tradition of appointing experienced Mounties to the force’s top post.

Elliott became the first civilian commissioner of Canada’s iconic police force in 2007. His appointment by Stephen Harper was a gamble designed to shake up a force that had severe management problems, and Elliott says it’s one that should not be taken again. In his first interview since announcing he will step down this summer, Elliott recommended one of the officers who make up the RCMP’s senior management team would be the best person to continue carrying out much needed reforms. Elliott’s tenure as commissioner has been turbulent. Last year he faced and internal revolt when senior officers who complained he was abusive took the unprecedented step of going over Elliott’s head to his bureaucratic bosses in an attempt to have him removed.