Denis Coderre announced on Friday that Philippe Pichet is his choice to take over as Montreal’s police chief.
"I truly believe that he's got all that it takes to bring us where we want," said Coderre. "He's a good manager, he's been in the field. I think he's got the respect of his men and women."
Pichet is currently an assistant director in the police chief's office and in the past has worked with units dealing with protests.
He was not present at the press conference, which the mayor attributed to respect for the selection process. It is expected he will meet with media once he has officially been named chief. His nomination must be approved by city council and then the Quebec public security minister.
City Council is expected to vote on Pichet's nomination on Aug. 17.
Picher replaces Marc Parent, who had held the post since 2010. In May, Parent announced he was stepping down for personal reasons.
Coderre said that Pichet had been the top candidate in a list of five potential replacements for Parent.
Parent will officially leave the position in September.
