The Southeast District RCMP is pleased to announce that Staff Sergeant Rob Hughes has been promoted and commissioned to the rank of Inspector and selected as the new Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Cranbrook RCMP.

Inspector Hughes joined the RCMP in 2004 after graduating from Depot and began his career in Richmond, where he gained extensive experience in frontline policing, property crime investigations, crime reduction initiatives, surveillance, and targeted enforcement.

Throughout his career, he has served in Richmond, Langley, Surrey, Princeton, and Dawson Creek, holding leadership positions of increasing responsibility.

Most recently, Inspector Hughes served as the Detachment Commander in Dawson Creek, where he led a 31-member municipal detachment and worked closely with community partners and RCMP support units to address crime and enhance public safety.

“I am honoured to have the opportunity to serve the Cranbrook community and lead the dedicated employees of the Cranbrook RCMP,” said Inspector Hughes. “My wife and I are excited to make Cranbrook our home and become part of this vibrant community.”

“On behalf of the Southeast District Leadership Team, we are excited to welcome Inspector Hughes to Cranbrook and to see the detachment transition to an officer-led model,” said Chief Superintendent Shawna Baher, Southeast District Officer.

“We look forward to the increased level of leadership and strategic oversight that comes with having an Officer-in-Charge at the rank of Inspector. As Cranbrook continues to grow, so too do the policing demands associated with issues such as addictions, mental health, and related criminal activity.

“This additional leadership capacity will support the detachment’s continued growth and strengthen its ability to meet the evolving needs of Cranbrook and the surrounding communities.”

Over the past 18 months, the RCMP and the City of Cranbrook have been reviewing how policing services are delivered in the community, including the organizational structure of the Cranbrook RCMP Detachment.

As Cranbrook continues to grow and public safety needs become more complex, the Detachment Commander position has been approved to move from a Staff Sergeant role to an Inspector-level Officer-in-Charge (OIC) position. This change will provide stronger senior leadership at the local level, support clearer decision-making and accountability, and help ensure the detachment can continue to meet the needs of the community.

“I would like to acknowledge RCMP E Division and Southeast District Command for the level of engagement afforded to the City, RDEK, and ʔaq̓am in the Inspector selection process,” said Mayor Wayne Price. “I believe the local involvement speaks to their commitment to strengthening community policing and a working partnership for our area.”

Inspector Hughes and his wife, along with their dog, enjoy spending time outdoors hunting, camping, fishing, and exploring British Columbia’s backcountry.

Southeast District RCMP welcomes Inspector Hughes to Cranbrook and looks forward to his continued leadership and service to the community.

Photo submitted

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