Cranbrook RCMP moves to inspector-led model as policing demands grow

Inspector Rob Hughes has been selected as the new Officer-in-Charge of the Cranbrook RCMP detachment as the city moves to an Inspector-led command structure.

Photo: City of Cranbrook

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Cranbrook RCMP is moving to an Inspector-led command structure following an 18-month review of policing in the community, a change officials say reflects the city's growth and increasingly complex public-safety demands.

Rob Hughes has been promoted from Staff Sergeant to Inspector and selected as the new Officer-in-Charge of the Cranbrook detachment, the RCMP announced Aug. 20.

The appointment also changes the rank attached to the detachment's top job. Until now, Cranbrook's commander position was held at the Staff Sergeant level.

The City of Cranbrook said it has spent the past 18 months working with the RCMP to review how policing services are delivered, including the detachment's organizational structure. The commander position was subsequently approved as an Inspector-level Officer-in-Charge position.

The move is intended to provide more senior leadership locally and clearer lines of decision-making and accountability as the community grows.

"As Cranbrook continues to grow, so too do the policing demands associated with issues such as addictions, mental health, and related criminal activity," Southeast District Commander Chief Superintendent Shawna Baher said in announcing the appointment.

Baher said the additional leadership capacity is expected to help the detachment respond to changing demands in Cranbrook and surrounding communities.

The change also alters where Cranbrook sits within the RCMP's regional command structure.

Hughes will report directly to Baher, giving the Cranbrook detachment a direct reporting relationship with Southeast District. Smaller city and town detachments in the East Kootenay will continue to report through an advisory non-commissioned officer before reaching Southeast District headquarters in Kelowna.

Cranbrook Mayor Wayne Price said the City, Regional District of East Kootenay and ʔaq̓am were involved in the selection process for the new Inspector.

"I believe the local involvement speaks to their commitment to strengthening community policing and a working partnership for our area," Price said.

Hughes joined the RCMP in 2004 and began his career in Richmond, working in frontline policing, property-crime investigations, surveillance, crime-reduction initiatives and targeted enforcement.

He has since served in Langley, Surrey, Princeton and Dawson Creek.

Hughes has most recently served as commander of the Dawson Creek RCMP detachment, where he led a 31-member municipal detachment. He is expected to remain in Dawson Creek during a transition period before moving to Cranbrook.

"I am honoured to have the opportunity to serve the Cranbrook community and lead the dedicated employees of the Cranbrook RCMP," Hughes said. "My wife and I are excited to make Cranbrook our home and become part of this vibrant community."

The leadership change comes as Cranbrook RCMP continues to handle a substantial volume of calls.

Police received 2,087 reports during the first three months of 2026, up slightly from 2,003 during the previous quarter. The detachment also responded to 132 mental-health files and submitted 84 reports to Crown counsel recommending charges during that period.

Police reported increases in some categories during the quarter, including break-and-enters at businesses and mischief under $5,000.

The City says its approach to public safety has increasingly emphasized coordination among RCMP, bylaw officers, community-engagement staff and local service providers.

Hughes said he intends to continue that work with policing and community partners.

"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," he said.