VIDEO: The new head of the Kelowna RCMP reaches for a greater connection with the community

Five days into the job, the new officer in charge at the Kelowna RCMP has made it clear that her relationship with the community is a top priority.

Superintendent Kara Triance arranged separate time slots for every media outlet interested to answer their questions and allow the community a chance to get to know her.

"I'm grateful for this opportunity to introduce myself," said Triance. "I believe as police officers, we can't do our job without a really important relationship with our community."

As the first woman to head up the Kelowna RCMP, she likes the message that sends to young women in the community.

"As a woman in a position of leadership I hope that I am giving the ability for young women to see what their possibilities are and women in law enforcement to know that there is a place for them at the table," said the Superintendent.

But she admits there may be some who think she was promoted into the position solely because she's a woman. "I will work tirelessly to show them that this detachment will be led by a police officer who is passionate about policing," said Triance.

In her first few days on the job, she said she's already almost all of the 200 employees under her command.

"In that time, I have met incredibly passionate, competent, hard-working police officers," said Triance.

A priority for Kelowna's new top cop is improving the police presence downtown.

"I can tell you, one of the areas I will absolutely focus on is our downtown core, our visibility, our partnerships and how we assure the community members and citizens feel safe downtown."

Triance said her willingness to speak openly and publicly about policing in her community is a strategy that will carry forward. We look forward to speaking with her again soon.