FOG BLOG CANADA LOG: MIKE DUHEME OFFICIALLY BECOMES NEW RCMP COMMISSIONER!

New top Mountie pledges 'change and growth' at RCMP as he assumes command Michael Duheme says recruitment is his top priority as commissioner The RCMP's new commissioner said he wants to drive "change and growth" in the national police service as he officially assumed command on Thursday.

Michael Duheme formally took over as RCMP commissioner at a ceremony in Gatineau, Que. Duheme, a law enforcement veteran with over 35 years of experience, became interim commissioner in March following the retirement of former top Mountie Brenda Lucki.

"I'm here to lead change and growth within the organization, to make decisions that move the yardstick for the RCMP, because I know there's a lot we can accomplish together," Duheme said in his speech at the ceremony.

"I want all our employees to be proud to belong to this organization, and to know that they're equipped to make a real difference in the communities that we serve."

Duheme takes over a police force that's under fire over the scope of its mandate, its culture and questions about its competence.

Duheme said hiring more Mounties is his first task.

"I want us to grow in numbers, so my first priority, as we move forward, is recruitment," he said.

The RCMP employs approximately 19,000 uniformed officers and 11,000 civilians. An independent advisory board called the force's recruitment situation a crisis in a report released earlier this year, and called for an overhaul of officer training.