New RCMP detachment commander announced for Penticton

PENTICTON – The Penticton Regional RCMP detachment has a new top cop.

Inspector Ted De Jager has been named Detachment Commander of Penticton South Okanagan Similkameen Regional Detachment, according to a release from the City of Penticton.

Insp. De Jager is a Bowmanville, Ontario native with a degree in Civil Engineering. He is a 15-year veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, serving internationally as a Combat Engineer Officer, the release says.

De Jager joined the RCMP in 1997, working out of the Surrey detachment. He received his Inspector commission in 2011and has served a variety of roles, including operations development where he created service delivery and staffing models for provincial detachments.

De Jager is currently serving as Chair of the Crime Prevention Committee for the BC Association of Chiefs of Police.

RCMP National Headquarters made the announcement today. B.C. RCMP Southeast District Commander Brad Haugli says in the release: “It is a tremendous benefit to have Ted as the incoming officer in charge of Penticton’s detachment. His extensive operational background in a leadership role, along with his strong focus on crime reduction and community engagement will certainly make him a perfect fit to meet the needs of the communities of the region.”

“The South Okanagan region has a variety of needs and we are pleased to have a commander that understands both rural and urban policing,” says Penticton Mayor Andrew Jakubeit.

De Jager’s arrival date is still pending. He is currently stationed at the Mission Detachment. 

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