Top RCMP officer in Alberta to become force's highest-ranking Mountie

The Canadian Press 28/05/2010 8:06 AM

EDMONTON - An Edmonton radio station is reporting that Alberta's top Mountie is being transferred to Ottawa to become the second in command of the RCMP. The station (CHED) says it has learned that Rod Knecht will be named senior deputy commissioner under William Elliott, the civilian head of the RCMP. In his new post, Knecht will be the highest-ranking officer in the force. Knecht began his career with the RCMP in 1977 and is currently deputy commissioner of Alberta's K Division and the northwest region. He spent five years as the investigating officer in charge of the Krever Commission, which looked into Canada's tainted blood scandal. Knecht will replace Bill Sweeney, who is retiring at the end of June. (CHED)