New RCMP commander for New Brunswick hopes to be a leader in public safety through smarter policing

Matco Sirotic was recently sworn in as the new commanding officer of the New Brunswick RCMP.

RCMP Assistant Commissioner Matco Sirotic was sworn in as the 32nd commanding officer of the Mounties in New Brunswick on May 6 after being named to the role in December.

After his first few months in the role, Sirotic told CTV’s Todd Battis there are many challenges but his goal is to make New Brunswick a leader in public safety across the country. He said communication with all the communities in his jurisdiction is one of the pillars of his vision.

“Everyone knows you can’t police Moncton the exact same way that you would police, say, Campbellton, for example,” Sirotic said. “I think the more engaged we are the more benefit we’re going to see.”

Sirotic said he hopes higher engagement will address frustrations among residents in rural New Brunswick who are dissatisfied with police. He said without additional resources he will focus on “smarter policing.”

“By consulting thoroughly and making sure that what you’ve set up as your priorities are the public’s priorities,” he said. “It’s also target policing. Intelligence level policing.”

Police planning

Sirotic said he wants to leverage technology, including cameras and drones, for greater efficiency in policing but he is looking ahead to future developments.

“I can certainly anticipate that artificial intelligence is going to become a player and a significant component of what we do.”

Border security is another issue of increased concern since Sirotic’s appointment. He said he is working with his counterparts in other provinces to address the concern but so far, RCMP in New Brunswick have not been called on to reinforce the province’s U.S. border. He said they have a dedicated unit for border integrity and because of their strong relationship with Canada Border Services Agency he doesn’t expect border security will affect police services in the province.

“We’re very, very close to the intelligence on this and we’ve observed nothing significant,” Sirotic said. “Many other people are engaged as well if the influx ever becomes a problem.”

RCMP across the country are also facing recruitment challenges. Sirotic said the organization should amend its ways to appeal to young people.

“We’re really developing a new strategy to be in tune with the people that we want to bring to the organization.”

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