RCMP needs more independence: Commissioner

Three years after a federally appointed task force looking at problems with the RCMP made its recommendations, Commissioner William Elliott says he agrees the force needs to be more independent of government.

Elliott argues the RCMP needs to be its own employer with its own board of management, something that was recommended in a 2007 task force report. Right now the Treasury Board is the employer of the RCMP.

In a wide-ranging speech Thursday to the Canadian Club in Ottawa, Elliott said changes are needed to give the RCMP the "responsibility, authority and flexibility to better manage our financial and human resources."

The commissioner said the government has to do its part, as legislative changes would be required.

Elliott said recruitment is up, the police workforce is more diverse, and employee and public surveys show satisfaction with the force is strong.

As well, he pointed to new legislation that, if passed, would create an enhanced RCMP Review and Complaints Commission.

But there is a still long way to go, said Elliott.

"Today I renew my commitment to being an agent of change and working as hard as I can to make the RCMP the best police force in the world," said Elliott.

Work still remains

Elliott conceded that work needs to be done to improve Canadians' perception of how transparent and accountable the organization is. And he said surveys show many employees feel they are not consulted about decisions that affect their work.

The commissioner was asked to comment on his leadership style. This follows reports of discord between him and several senior managers.

Elliott conceded he is a "big and loud" guy and that no one has to guess what he thinks about things. But he said he is learning to listen more and to show his team that he values what they have to say.

Another one of Elliott's critics announced his retirement Thursday, in a letter to members of the RCMP obtained by CBC News.

Assistant Commissioner Patrick McDonnell wrote that he has enjoyed his long career at the RCMP but, "there comes a time when one must move on and for me, the time is now."

His new job is with Senate security.

McDonnell's retirement comes on the heels of several other high-profile changes in the RCMP's senior management team. McDonnell's brother, and perhaps Elliott's most vocal critic, Assistant Commissioner Mike McDonnell, left the force last summer to take a job with the Ontario Provincial Police. 

Earlier this month, Elliott shuffled his top brass, demoting Deputy Commissioner Raf Souccar the head of federal and international policing.