Chris Goebel with Tom Dyas/City of Kelowna

By Vernon Matters Staff

Top Cop

Kelowna RCMP gains local focus with new ‘Officer in Charge’

Jul 23, 2025 | 10:07 AM

Superintendent Chris Goebel has been named the new Officer in Charge of the Kelowna RCMP Detachment, marking a significant shift in how police leadership is structured in the city.

Goebel, a policing veteran with more than 20 years of frontline and leadership experience across British Columbia, is also a Kelowna resident. City officials say his personal ties to the community bring added value to the role.

“For the first time, this position will focus entirely on the City of Kelowna,” said Mayor Tom Dyas in a statement. “Superintendent Goebel lives here, is raising his family here and coaches minor hockey. That kind of community connection brings an added level of understanding and accountability to public safety.”

Until now, the Officer in Charge role also oversaw neighbouring jurisdictions. Under the new model, leadership will be centred solely on Kelowna, allowing for a more localized approach to crime prevention, public engagement and strategic policing.

City council says the change will allow the RCMP to respond more directly to the unique issues facing the city, including its fast-growing population and complex public safety needs.

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“We are proud of the ongoing work of the Kelowna RCMP,” Dyas said. “These officers are out in our neighbourhoods every day — responding to concerns, building partnerships and helping keep the community safe. This new structure will allow that work to become even more focused and effective.”

The City of Kelowna says it will continue working closely with Superintendent Goebel and the RCMP to strengthen public trust and ensure a visible, responsive police presence in every part of the city.