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Cranbrook, BC (August 20, 2026) – The Cranbrook RCMP Detachment will have a new leader, with Rob Hughes being announced as the new Detachment Inspector.

Inspector Rob Hughes joined the RCMP in 2004 after graduating from Depot and brings more than 22 years of policing experience to Cranbrook. Having served in communities across British Columbia, he has held leadership positions in Surrey, Princeton, and Dawson Creek, most recently as Detachment Commander in Dawson Creek. Inspector Hughes and his wife are excited to make Cranbrook their home and become part of the community.

“I am excited to join the Cranbrook RCMP and lead such a dedicated team of employees,” says Inspector Rob Hughes, Cranbrook RCMP Detachment Commander. “Together with our policing and community partners, we will continue to focus on addressing the issues that matter most to residents while providing professional, effective, and community-focused policing services.”

Over the past 18 months, the RCMP and the City of Cranbrook have been reviewing how policing services are delivered in the community, including the organizational structure of the Cranbrook RCMP Detachment.

As Cranbrook continues to grow and public safety needs become more complex, the Detachment Commander position has been approved to move from a Staff Sergeant role to an Inspector-level Officer-in-Charge (OIC) position. This change will provide stronger senior leadership at the local level, support clearer decision-making and accountability, and help ensure the detachment can continue to meet the needs of the community.

“I would like to acknowledge RCMP E Division and Southeast District Command for the level of engagement afforded to the City, RDEK, and ʔaq̓am in the Inspector selection process,” says Mayor Wayne Price. “I believe the local involvement speaks to their commitment to strengthening community policing and a working partnership for our area.”

The new Inspector will report directly to Chief Superintendent Shawna Baher, Southeast District Commander. This also gives Cranbrook a direct reporting relationship with the Southeast District, while other small city and town RCMP detachments in the East Kootenay (that list also used to include Cranbrook) will continue to report through the Advisory Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) who then reports to the Southeast District Headquarters in Kelowna.

“I am pleased to welcome Inspector Rob Hughes to Cranbrook and congratulate him on his promotion,” says Chief Superintendent Shawna Baher, Southeast District Commander. “The transition to an Inspector-led detachment is a significant milestone for Cranbrook RCMP and reflects the growth of the community and the increasing complexity of policing demands. Inspector Hughes is an experienced and respected leader whose proven track record in municipal and rural policing makes him exceptionally well suited to lead the detachment as it continues to evolve and meet the public safety needs of Cranbrook and the surrounding region.”

Public safety has changed significantly over the past few years, and the City’s approach to managing issues proactively continues to focus on becoming more and more coordinated and proactive in partnership with the RCMP, the RCMP Community Engagement Coordinator, Bylaw Services, and other local service providers.