Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (July 03/02) - Arriving in Rankin Inlet a rookie to the police force and to the community, RCMP Const. Ben Williams is leaving with three years of experience under his holster.

He's just waiting to hear who will replace him in the Kivalliq detachment. Once he gets word, he's off to Iqaluit -- the city he lived in just prior to becoming a police officer.

"I'm excited. It will give me a chance to be with my family," said Williams.

What makes his homecoming even more exciting is that he's returning to Iqaluit an expectant father. Williams said his partner is due to give birth in August.

"We have a child on the way. I'm looking forward to starting my own little family and to being with my family," he said.

While he's happy about being closer to his parents and siblings, Williams said he expected to miss Rankin Inlet and the community members who've made him feel welcome.

"A lot of people have treated me really well here. It will be hard to go. People are used to me now so they're really friendly," he said.

That close-knit sense of community helped make his job easier these last three years. He said knowing his neighbours makes it easier to understand their needs and to tell when they have a problem that needs to be dealt with.

It is, however, that same sense of closeness that makes policing in the North difficult at times.

"It is difficult dealing with (family members), but everywhere I go in the North I have family. It's hard to get used to dealing with people I know," he said.

As for what lies ahead during his pending stint in the capital, Williams said he'd have to wait and see what's involved in working as an officer with the general duties section.

"I'm expecting some sort of challenge when I get there, but I don't know what it is yet."