YELLOWKNIFE - RCMP Staff Sgt. Mike Brandford took control of the Yellowknife detachment this week as part of a division reorganization.

RCMP Staff Sgt. Mike Brandford is taking over as Yellowknife detachment commander. - Christine Grimard/NNSLphoto

Insp. Roch Fortin, who formerly held the position, is now in charge of the southern region of the NWT. Insp. Parker Kennedy, who formerly commanded all of the NWT, will focus now on the Northern region.

"We're hoping to give a better representation and work more closely with the communities and First Nations organizations," said Fortin.

In his two and half years in charge of the Yellowknife detachment, Fortin worked on initiatives such as a public newsletter on policing activities, and helping to establish Yellowknife's first Drug-Free Zone.

Brandford is hoping to continue the work that Fortin started.

"They're working well, and I intend to see they continue working well," said Brandford.

Since the recent establishment of the Drug-Free Zone, Brandford said RCMP has received tips from neighbours in the area.

Brandford said police will also keep a closer eye on high risk, repeat offenders. He said by keeping a closer eye, police should be able to catch groups looking to traffic drugs before they get their operations started.

"The community does not need to see people coming up from the south just to make money illegally," he said.

Brandford said he would also like to deal with problems in the downtown core. In a crime reduction initiative, Brandford is looking to target high crime areas by increasing the number of foot patrols.

He is also considering starting bike patrols, which would require some officers to take additional training.

Brandford has been working with Fortin over the last few months to make sure the transition goes smoothly.

Like Fortin, Brandford said he feels strongly that partnerships with community organizations are essential in effective policing.

"The days are gone when police are going to do all of this alone," said Brandford. "In order for us to do our jobs, we can't do it without those partnerships."

Brandford has lived in Yellowknife for 19 years during which time he was involved in a number of high profile investigations, including the murder of nine workers at Giant Mine, killed in a bombing during a labour dispute in 1992. He first moved to Hay River from Saskatchewan in 1984, then spent two years in Tulita.

Brandford has previously worked as a general duty officer on the streets of Yellowknife. He has also worked on highway patrol, in the drug section, and as an investigator.