Codiac RCMP sees a change of command

A 28-year veteran of the RCMP will take charge of the Codiac detachment starting next month when Supt. Tom Critchlowtransfersfrom Bathurst to replaceSupt. Paul Beauchesne.

Critchlow begins his new job on Nov. 6 and he's eager to get started.

"Obviously the overarching priority is to provide safe homes and safe communities," said Critchlow.

He said he isn't going to make any immediate changes to how the police force operates but said if changes are needed later there is room.

I'm really looking forward to coming back home."- Supt. Tom Critchlow, Codiac RCMP detachment

Critchlowtakes charge of the force just after the decision onthe RCMP's Labour Code trial. The RCMPwasfound guilty of failing to provide adequate use-of-force equipment and relatedtraining to the MonctonRCMPofficers who were killed or wounded in the shooting incident inJune 2014.

Though he couldn't comment on the trial itself or the decision, Critchlowdid say he is hoping to work with the community and the officers to ensure everyone's safety.

"There's been lots of great work done since the tragedy and I want to be able to work with everybody to move forward from this, build from this and heal from it," Critchlow said.

He said the key to rebuilding trust and confidence with his members is to listen to them. Critchlow has worked around the Maritimes and was in charge of operations at the Codiacdetachment between 2009 and 2011.

"I'm really looking forward to coming back home," he said.

Outgoing superintendent Paul Beauchesneis taking a new job as well. He was promoted to chief superintendent, and will become the director general in charge of Seriousand Organized Crime and Border Integrity for theRCMPNational Headquarters in Ottawa.