Bill McKinnon retires

UPDATE: March 21, 9:30 a.m. - In a brief news release issued Thursday morning, It was confirmed RCMP Superintendent Bill McKinnon will be retiring from his post effective Thursday, March 28.

McKinnon is retiring after 38 years on the force, the last 12 in Kelowna.

In an internal letter, McKinnon thanked the staff at the Kelowna RCMP Detachment for their service, support and friendship over the past 12 years that he has been their commander, acknowledging the growth and change both the city and the detachment has experienced during that time.

"I can honestly say the highlight of my career was being appointed as the Detachment Commander of Kelowna Detachment in May 2004," said McKinnon.

No successor has yet been named.

It is unlikely any sort of press conference will be held. Calls to McKinnon have so far not been returned.

Superintendent Bill McKinnon will work his last shift next week, he is retiring.

Photo: Castanet Staff

Bill McKinnon after a raid.

McKinnon took over the role as Superintendent in May 2004.

At the time McKinnon said, "The number one problem is our drug problem and that includes organized crime."

The last couple of years have not been easy for McKinnon.

McKinnon took a lot of heat In January of 2011 after a focus was put on the Kelowna RCMP when Geoff Mantler was video taped by Castanet kicking Buddy Tavares in the face.

McKinnon has also had his share of successes. 

In 2008 Kelowna's top cop became a leader for the RCMP in BC.

In 2009 McKinnon was the president of the BC Association of Chiefs of Police. He lead the charge for a civilian-led unit that would investigate police-related situations. The association unanimously passed the resolution for the creation of the new unit.

Also in 2009 McKinnon recognized the need for a ban on cell phones and other mobile devices by motorists and worked with others to make it a law.

We will have more on this developing story as it unfolds..