Patrick Roche has been installed as the new Chief of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary.

The 36-year veteran officer had most recently been the commanding officer for the Corner Brook and Labrador regions.

He also previously served with the United Nations international police force in Kosovo.

Roche took over as interim chief last August when former Chief Joe Boland retired.

Roche says policing is always evolving, citing mental health and crime rates as his early priorities.

He says training is critical toward recognizing and interacting with people who suffer from mental health issues, noting that’s important for the public as well as RNC officers.

Roche’s father Richard, who passed away in November, also served as RNC chief in the early 1980s.

Roche’s two brothers, Paul and Sean, are also officers with the force.

It’s believed Patrick Roche is the second openly gay person to be named a chief of police in Canada.