Kamloops RCMP Supt. Syd Lecky addresses reporters for the first time on July 13, 2018.

(ASHLEY LEGASSIC - REPORTER / iNFOnews.ca)

KAMLOOPS - Coming from a town of roughly 12,000 people to a city of more than 90,000 is no easy feat, but Kamloops RCMP's newest officer in charge is up for the challenge.

After former Kamloops RCMP Supt. Brad Mueller was promoted to a position in Alberta, city officials conducted a long search trying to find the right fit for the detachment. At a news conference today, July 13, Kamloops mayor Ken Christian told reporters it was a unanimous decision for Supt. Syd Lecky to take the spot.

"This is an important day for the City of Kamloops," Christian said. "This part of our operation is $29 million of our operation... it's something we value."

He praised Mueller's work and added that he believes Lecky will take the force to where it needs to be. 

Lecky was the officer in charge of the Terrace detachment up until he got the spot in Kamloops, and while he acknowledges that city is much smaller, he says he'll have the manpower behind him in Kamloops to be able to work toward his goals for the detachment.

Those goals include taking down organized crime — which has been a persistent issue in Kamloops and all around B.C. for the past few years — and focusing on First Nations policing.

As a member of Passamaquoddy First Nation, Lecky says he is able to see certain situations through that lens. He also spent time in First Nations policing during his years with the force. He says he has a lot of compassion for the historical significance of Indigenous communities, and the lasting generational impact of residential schools.

"If you can see things through their lens, you can better understand," Lecky said.

Lecky also put an emphasis on the impact the opioid crisis has had across the province and here in Kamloops, noting that it takes a mix of policing and social agencies to try and address the problem.

He also praised the city for their support of the police force, pointing to council's approval of extra officers last year.

Lecky says he likely won't be patroling the streets often, but don't be surprised if you do see him out there getting to know the community.

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