The City of Kamloops did not have to look very far to find a new commanding officer for the local RCMP detachment.
Inspector Jeff Pelley, who was Operations Officer for the Kamloops RCMP, will take over from Supt. Syd Lecky, who is moving to Yellowknife to become the next commanding officer of the RCMP’s “G” Division in the Northwest Territories.
Pelley’s appointment comes after a selection and interview process involving Mayor Ken Christian, CAO David Trawin, and the Southeast District RCMP.
“Inspector Pelley will build upon the legacy of Superintendent Lecky with a strong focus on evidence and community-based policing,” Christian said, in a statement.
“Jeff has extensive general duty experience, strong leadership skills, and a capacity to triage serious incidents. From gangs and drugs to domestic and mental health concerns, Jeff will lead from the front and is committed to calming the streets and making Kamloops a safer city.”
Pelley, who grew up near Kamloops, has close to 23 years of policing experience with the RCMP with positions in Prince Rupert, Kamloops, Kelowna, 100 Mile House, New Hazelton, North District, and Williams Lake.
He has been a Detachment Commander twice before in New Hazelton and Williams Lake, and moved back to Kamloops in April 2021 where he was responsible for General Duty, Investigative Services, and several support units.
“I am thankful to be selected as the Kamloops Detachment Commander and extremely grateful,” Pelley added, in a statement. “I look forward to building on the current successes of all the women and men and to making our community safer, as it is an amazing place to work and live.”
“I am alive to the community issues and commend our employees on their dedication and tenacity over the past year where I worked closely with the Detachment as Operations Officer. I look forward to being the team’s Officer in Charge and making Kamloops a safer community.”
The City says a plan will soon be developed to ensure a smooth transition between Supt. Lecky and Inspector Pelley, who will be promoted to the rank of Superintendent once he takes over.
Pelley’s appointment as the Officer in Charge means the city will be looking for two new inspectors, something Christian expects to be done by the end of this year.
