The Chief of Police acknowledges it’s been a challenging year for the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary.

But Patrick Roche says that’s no different than any major organization, adding it’s how you deal with adversity, learn, and improve, that counts.

In a year-end interview with VOCM News, Roche says there’s a general misconception about police work because the toughest tasks are often performed beyond the public eye.

Roche says the majority do not understand everything that law enforcement entails, noting officers are often the bearers of tragic news, but have to somehow park that at the end of a shift, then leave and care for their own families.

Roche was named interim chief last year but became permanent in February after decades in the rank and file.

His two brothers are also officers with the RNC while their father is a former chief himself.