Rhonda Blackmore removed as commanding officer of Saskatchewan RCMP

CTV News

4 days ago

Assistant commissioner Rhonda Blackmore, commanding officer of the Saskatchewan RCMP, speaks during a news conference in Regina on Thursday, June 6, 2024. A report into how Mounties responded to a mass killing and manhunt in Saskatchewan has found some communication problems but nothing that significantly impacted the outcome. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Liam Richards
Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore says she's been removed as the commanding officer of the Saskatchewan RCMP – following 'anonymous complaints.'
According to a report by 980 CJME, Blackmore sent a message to employees of Saskatchewan RCMP Tuesday, indicating that she had been removed as the Commanding Officer of 'F' Division.
In the message, Blackmore she claims the decision was made by the 'Senior Executive' at the service's national headquarters.
'I have been informed this action is being taken as a result of anonymous complaints made against me,' she wrote.
The Saskatchewan RCMP declined to comment on the situation – referring all inquires to the National RCMP Headquarters in Ottawa.
CTV News has reached out to the national headquarters for more information and is currently awaiting a response.
Blackmore has served as the head of federal police service in Saskatchewan since April of 2021 – presiding over several historic incidents – such as the James Smith Cree Nation stabbings and the resulting manhunt for Myles Sanderson.
Growing up on a farm near Hanover, Ont., Blackmore first joined the RCMP in 1995 and spent her first seven years conducting general policing duties in Assiniboia, Regina, and Buffalo Narrows.
In 2002, Blackmore transferred to RCMP National Headquarters in Ottawa.
During her time there, she joined the Operational Policy Unit, the National Division Emergency Response Team, the Criminal Intelligence Directorate of National Security Investigations, the National Use of Force Program and the Contract and Indigenous Policing Executive Team.
In 2013, she became the officer in charge of the National Police Intervention Unit – where she oversaw the implementation of 19 of the 64 Macneil Report recommendations following the deadly shooting of three RCMP officers in Moncton, New Brunswick.
In 2015, she was promoted as the Director of Operational Policies and Programs before being promoted to Chief Superintendent in May of 2018 as the district commander of the western Alberta District.
As the head of the Saskatchewan RCMP, Blackmore oversaw nearly 1,600 employees, consisting of 1,100 sworn officers at 80 detachments.