New Leadership for RCMP K-Division as Trevor Daroux Sworn In

Deputy Commissioner Trevor Daroux has taken command of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s K-Division in Alberta, marking a significant leadership change within Canada’s second-largest RCMP division. The swearing-in ceremony took place on October 5, 2023, where Daroux succeeded Rob Hill, who has retired to take up a position as vice president of corporate security at JD Irving.

Darrow, who joined the RCMP in 2017, previously served as the Deputy Chief of the Calgary Police Service. His extensive experience includes roles such as the Director General of National Crime Prevention and Indigenous Policing Services, as well as the Alberta RCMP’s Criminal Operations Officer. His appointment comes during a period of heightened scrutiny and challenges for the RCMP, following a series of violent incidents targeting law enforcement officials across Canada.

Addressing Rising Violence Against Officers

In his first public address as Deputy Commissioner, Daroux acknowledged the troubling trend of increasing violence against police officers. Over his 37-year career, he has observed a shift in the severity and frequency of such incidents. “There’s been a change in landscape with respect to violence against police officers, and it’s not only incidents, it’s the severity of the violence against police,” he stated. He emphasized the need to continually assess training, support mechanisms, and operational tactics to better protect officers in this evolving environment.

Daroux is particularly passionate about addressing the root causes of crime and social disorder, a priority echoed by regional policing organizations like the Edmonton Police Service. Recent surveys indicate significant gaps in the public’s perception of safety in Edmonton, underscoring the importance of community engagement in policing. “It’s our communities that decide whether they’re safe or they’re not,” he remarked. While crime statistics indicate a reduction across the province, Daroux stressed the need to also consider how the community perceives safety.

Future of Policing in Alberta

Questions surrounding the future of the RCMP in Alberta have intensified, particularly following the municipality of Grande Prairie’s decision to establish its own police force. Additionally, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has criticized the RCMP for failing to provide promised resources, raising concerns about the upcoming expiration of the current contract in 2032.

Commissioner Mike Duheme addressed these concerns by highlighting the RCMP’s extensive reach, stating that the force is responsible for policing 75 percent of Canada’s land mass and 22 percent of its population. He urged for proper information dissemination to the public, emphasizing the importance of understanding the strengths of the RCMP. “Let’s not forget the strength of one single organization,” he said, referencing the collaborative success seen during the recent G7 conference held in Kananaskis.

Duheme also responded to criticisms regarding policing priorities set at the federal level, asserting that these priorities must be regionally established as mandated by law. He pointed out that each detachment commander has the authority to set local policing priorities in consultation with community leaders. “Our detachment commanders are essentially the chiefs of police in their areas,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of community input in shaping policing strategies.

Darrow, a graduate of the University of Calgary and various policing leadership programs, is also actively involved in multiple boards, including the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police Indigenous Sub Committee and the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police Victims of Crime Subcommittee. His commitment to community engagement and a multi-disciplinary approach to policing positions him as a leader ready to navigate the complexities of law enforcement in Alberta.

The swearing-in of Deputy Commissioner Daroux comes at a pivotal moment for the RCMP and Alberta’s policing landscape, with the new leader poised to address both immediate challenges and long-term goals for community safety.