OTTAWA, July 6 (UPI) -- William Elliott, a longtime official in the Department of Public Safety, has been appointed the first civilian head of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Elliott's appointment as police commissioner was announced Friday by Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day, CanWest News Service reported Friday.
"William has incredible and extensive experience that suits him well for the position he is about to take on," Day said.
Day said that Elliott's skill and experience in management and his political skills are important to the national police force. He acknowledged that there was pressure to name an insider.
Elliott has held a variety of positions, including deputy commissioner of the Coast Guard, and has also been a manager at Transport Canada and chief of staff in the prime minister's office.
The new commissioner takes over July 16. He said he realizes he has to convince police officers he can do the job.
"However, I want to say to all members of the RCMP that we are all seeking the same goal," he said. "We want to create an organization that is effective, modern and efficient and that can provide the best possible police service to Canadians."
