Penticton's top cop moving on

Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

RCMP Inspector Brad Haugli

Penticton has played a part in RCMP Insp. Brad Haugli’s life since he first worked as a constable here in the 1990s.

So he is sorry to be leaving in a matter of months.

As of mid-April, Haugli will be moving on to work as the investigative services officer, based out of the new headquarters building  in Surrey.

“It is a new challenge something completely different from what I have been doing, but I like challenges ,” he said. “Still it is bittersweet to leave here because it has been truly a wonderful experience to work with everyone and live in this community.”

In his new role, Haugli will oversee all of the integrated units in the Lower Mainland, including homicide, police dog service and forensic identification.

Further duties will be examining operations related to major crime investigations.

During his long career, he has had different posts including working early on as a constable on Penticton’s front lines.

Prior to coming to the city as inspector three and a half years ago, he was the inspector in charge of plainclothes and property crime at the RCMP detachment in Surrey.

As officer in charge of the Penticton South Okanagan Similkameen detachment, Haugli has overseen a staff of 97 police officers, as well as additional support staff.

Along with the staff, he has seen much success during his time here, he said.

“I have been part of a team that has done exceptional work to build a safe community,” he said. “I believe we have reduced crime and the fear of crime and we have in my view developed partnerships with many organizations throughout the Okanagan Similkameen, with the goal of creating safe communities.”

Among those partners  are School District 67, various justice organizations such as probation and parole and nonprofits that deal with mental health issues and drug and alcohol abuse.

High on his list was working with the United Way.

“They are a core group of people who do so much with so little to better the livelihood of people in this region,” he said.

Because of the many close ties it was difficult to make the decision to take on the new challenge in the Lower Mainland, but the timing is right.

“This isn’t just a career but a lifestyle for me. As much as I would like to stay I am committed to the needs of the organization,” he said. “I am not fond of saying goodbyes. This is more of a see you later, because I do plan to return to Penticton when I retire from the force.”