Mike Jeffrey is Nunavut’s new RCMP Chief Superintendent

The new commanding officer of Nunavut's RCMP says he's happy to be back in Iqaluit.

Chief Superintendent Mike Jeffrey worked as the detachment commander in Iqaluit just over a decade ago. He also served in the Northwest Territories and Clyde River.

Three weeks ago, he returned as the top cop in ‘V’ division.

"I always said to my wife and my children, if ever the position for commanding officer for ‘V’ division came in, I'm gonna put my name in and see what happens."

Jeffrey is a 28-year veteran of the force.

He says he plans to consult with communities and government before setting the goals for his term.

But one thing he says he would like to be involved with, is establishing a system of restorative justice — or alternatives to the usual court system.

“At the end of the day, what it’s about is changing behaviours,” he says. “If you can change a person’s behaviour by getting them to do some kind of restorative justice program or something else instead of going before the courts or sending them to jail, that’s great.”

Jeffrey says he believes education and prevention are the key to policing, as well as support from the community.

“The police can’t work in isolation. We can’t be everywhere and know everything. It’s so important that communities support the police and tell us what the priorities are.”

Jeffrey says he believes police are viewed favourably in Nunavut.

Asked to give his opinion on opening a beer and wine store in the capital, Jeffrey says he still has a lot to learn about Nunavut, and that the job of the police is to respect the will of the citizens.