Top officer named for Vernon/North Okanagan RCMP

by Staff Writer - Vernon Morning Star posted Oct 14, 2015 at 9:00 PM

The new officer in charge of the Vernon/North Okanagan RCMP is a familiar face. Supt. Jim McNamara, the acting head of the detachment, has now assumed the job officially. He was promoted to the position Wednesday after consultation with the communities served by the detachment. On behalf of council and the staff of the City of Vernon, we are pleased by the appointment of Supt. McNamara, said Vernon Mayor Akbal Mund. In the last number of months in his role as acting superintendent, Jim has demonstrated a strong commitment to communication with the City and engagement with the citizens of Vernon and the North Okanagan. His leadership skills and vast knowledge base will benefit the organization, the community and the region. McNamara has 30 years of experience in policing, primarily in operational and front-line duties. He first came to the Vernon/North Okanagan detachment in 2010, as the operations officer, in charge of day-to-day operations. Before coming to the detachment, McNamara worked in an advisory role for the B.C. RCMP in its Southeast District office. His previous experience also includes watch and operations commands, command of the tactical troop, and oversight of crime prevention and victim services for a large Lower Mainland detachment. All his policing service is within BC. During his service with Vernon/North Okanagan detachment, Jim built strong relationships with local government officials and First Nations communities, said Chief Supt. Brad Haugli, B.C. RCMP Southeast District Commander. Those relationships were instrumental in his being named to head the detachment. Policing is very much something we do in partnership with our communities. Supt. McNamara however, shines a spotlight on the abilities of the staff at the Vernon/North Okanagan detachment. The detachment has an incredible group of competent, capable and dedicated employees, police officers and volunteers, he said. And they do a fantastic job of working with the community to help keep all of us safe. McNamara replaces Reg Burgess, who retired earlier this year.