Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore says she’s been removed as the commanding officer of the Saskatchewan RCMP following “anonymous complaints.” The service confirmed the leadership change in a statement to CTV News. “The RCMP can confirm that the Commanding Officer of F Division will be away from F Division for an undetermined period of time,” the statement read. “Effective immediately, Assistant Commissioner Robin McNeil will serve as the interim commanding officer of F Division “until a selection process is completed.” McNeil served with the Halifax Regional Police for 32 years – rising to the rank of deputy chief. He most recently served as the chief superintendent of operational readiness and response, contract and Indigenous policing with the RCMP. The service went on to say that the change in leadership will not impact operations in any way. First reported by 980 CJME, Blackmore sent a message to employees of the Saskatchewan RCMP on June 3, claiming she was removed by the service’s senior executive due to “anonymous complaints.” “I have been informed this action is being taken as a result of anonymous complaints made against me,” she wrote. Blackmore has served as the head of the federal police service in Saskatchewan since April of 2021 – presiding over several historic incidents – such as the James Smith Cree Nation stabbings, the resulting manhunt for Myles Sanderson and the inquiry that followed the tragedy. Growing up on a farm near Hanover, Ont., Blackmore began her career with the RCMP in 1995 and spent her first seven years working in 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.
