The Hope and Boston Bar RCMP detachments have undergone a leadership change this summer.
Staff Sgt. Bruce Anderson officially took over the position on July 7 from Staff Sgt. Suki Manj, who accepted a promotion in Lloydminster, Alberta.
“Policing isn’t about the police. It’s about the community and you work hand-in-hand to keep everybody safe,” said Anderson.
“Hope is a great community. It’s far enough out of the Lower Mainland to have the amenities easily accessible but you still have that small town atmosphere. That’s what I really enjoy.”
Anderson brings a wealth of experience to his new position, coming from Surrey where’s he worked with operational concerns as well as long-term policing initiatives. He is originally from Red Deer, Alberta and has 33 years of service with the RCMP.
Anderson has been posted in Golden, Prince George, Langley, Chilliwack, and the commercial crime unit at headquarters.
“I’ve experienced large, medium and small detachments and I quite enjoy the small detachment because you get the opportunity to meet the public and have better interaction with people,” he said.
“It’s getting back to basic policing and getting involved in the community. Crime is the same wherever you go. You have your grow operations and drug dealers. They all operate the same, but here you have the ability to get to know people and therefore you get to establish a rapport.”
The new detachment commander is focussed on being accessible and having open communication with the public. He also hopes to continue proactive policing initiatives in the community.
“What has been established through the several other staff sergeants that have been in charge of Hope and Boston Bar, I just want to keep moving that forward,” he said, adding that includes increased police presence in the community, road safety, pedestrian safety and providing residents with information on how to keep themselves safe.
“We are intelligence-based policing, so as we have our crime analysts identifying areas of concern, we want the people to know that.”
Anderson has already taken the time to meet with several business owners and residents over the last month to introduce himself in addition to attending Kid Fest on Aug. 2.
“I’m all about meet and greet,” he said.
“The values of the RCMP play a high role in the way I live, what I do and the way we police. It’s nice to be able to lead by example and to provide direction to the rest of the members on those values.”
Anderson resides in Chilliwack with his wife of 34 years, and enjoys getting outdoors and playing sports when he’s not working.
