The Operational Communication Centre (OCC) employees handle the unexpected under stressful conditions, working around the clock to help keep our communities and officers safe. Every year, the RCMP recognizes a number of employees within the OCC's across Canada and this year, PEI's very own OCC Commander, Darryl Macdonald was selected "OCC Commander of the Year" for all of Canada.
The nomination process involves outlining the nominee's ability to plan and organize, manage problems, lead change, create developmental opportunities for the staff for whom they are responsible within the OCC, provide strong client service, effective and measureable conflict management skills, and have an overall positive impact on the unit, the OCC. The nominations are reviewed by the Operational Communications Centres National Support Services, who then submit a shortlist of candidates to the Steering Committee for final scoring. The Steering Committee is made up of senior OCC leaders from across the country.
Commanding Officer of PEI RCMP, Chief Superintendent Jennifer Ebert said, "While Prince Edward Island may be the smallest of RCMP Divisions across the country, that doesn't equate to less work. In fact, being smaller means that duties are often larger in number with expanded responsibilities on the desk and the importance of keeping the employees of the OCC happy in their very challenging jobs is no small feat." She added, "The OCC is the first contact to police in all situations and quick responses, calm demeanour and a strong grasp on what is needed for each situation is key AND time is of the essence. Officers are monitored for their locations, safety and situational details during calls and while on the road and the OCC staff have a very strong working relationship with all officers. It's a big job and a complicated unit to manage for job satisfaction, effectiveness and mental health."
Commander Macdonald has done everyone in the PEI RCMP very proud by this recognition and we collectively congratulate him on a job well done, today and every day.