For Staff Sgt. Greg Willcocks, the newly appointed detachment commander in charge of the Sooke RCMP, being the region's top cop is more than a desk job.
 
He'll take his turn collaring bad guys and won't shy away from issuing traffic tickets.
 
"I'll do whatever the community needs me to do. As part of my job, I am required to be on the frontline and respond to service calls. I like getting on the road and meeting people," he said.
 
Willcocks began his career with the RCMP 16 years ago as a general duty officer at Deas Lake, BC.
 
Since then, he's taken on roles throughout B.C., rising in rank and leadership positions.
 
His last posting was in Haidi Gwaii as detachment commander for four years.
 
Willcocks, 39, comes to Sooke as the community faces unprecedented growth.
 
As the detachment commander, Willcocks will be responsible for transitioning to a 24 hour police service, calling it a "big short-term priority."
 
After consulting with community leaders, local politicians, and First Nation representatives, Willcocks plans to focus on other important matters.
 
The goal of these discussions is to determine the key priorities of the community.
 
"This is a growing municipality, and it's not a small town anymore. It's starting to get big city problems. Our job is to ensure we address those the best way we can," Willcocks said.
 
In that respect, Sooke Mounties will continue to target prolific offenders and traffic enforcement and that means Willcocks going out on patrol, when his schedule allows.
 
"The public wants to see us out there. But we also want to be very involved in the community," Willcocks said.
 
Out of uniform, Willcocks, his wife, and two young children are athletes and enjoy the outdoors, including fishing, hiking and camping.
 
He hopes to make Sooke his permanent home.
 
"Sooke is a beautiful area and a wonderful community. I'm thrilled to be here," Willcocks said.
 
Willcocks takes over the position officially from Staff Sgt. Brett Sinden who took on an administrative role with the RCMP's regional office in Victoria.
 
Sooke Mayor Maja Tait welcomed Willcocks to his new role, while thanking interim detachment commander Kevin Shaw for his work before Willococks' arrival.
 
"We've been working hard to strengthen the relationship between local government and the RCMP. The new staff sergeant brings a wide set of skills to our community. He is aware of the growth Sooke is experiencing and the many challenges we face," Tait said.
 
Kevin Laird.