Philippe Pichet proposed as Montreal's new police chief
Pichet, currently an assistant director at the SPVM, has been with the force since 90s
Philippe Pichet is Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre's choice to be the new head of the Montreal police force.
In a news conference on Friday, Coderre said he's recommending Pichet for the top job.
Pichet has been with the force since the early 90s and part of the force's administration since 2005.
He has held positions in operation planning and worked with the counter-terrorism unit. Currently, he's an assistant director.
"He's someone who is very professional," said Coderre. "He's shown me he's ready for another challenge."
Coderre said a total of six people came forward for the job.
If selected, Pichet would replace Marc Parent, who finishes his term in September. Parent announced in last May he would not seek another mandate.
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After 31 years as a police officer and five years as head of the force, Parent said the time had come to move on.
"It's a personal decision," he told CBC. "I'm convinced that inside the organization we have the people to take charge, so it's a good time for me to do that."
The provincial government will decide who becomes police chief. Public Security Minister Lise Thériault is expected to make the decision on Aug. 20.