Meet Leduc’s new RCMP Officer in Charge

A seasoned law enforcement professional, Inspector Samotej brings 17 years of diverse and dedicated service with the RCMP, all within the province of Alberta, to his new position in Leduc.

The City of Leduc prioritizes a diverse approach to public safety through education, awareness, enforcement and emergency response. The City contracts policing services to the RCMP and works in partnership with them on a variety of initiatives to foster a secure and welcoming environment for all in Leduc.

“We look forward to working together with Inspector Samotej to ensure the safety and well-being of our community,” says City of Leduc Mayor Bob Young.

“Our goal is to make residents feel safe and encourage them to fully enjoy the excellent amenities our city has to offer,” said Inspector Samotej. “I’m honoured to take on this role and look forward to continuing to support this community that means so much to me and my family.”

This initiative focuses on enhancing safety and well-being through data collection, community engagement and crime prevention strategies. Key elements include:

• Proactive police visibility: Increased RCMP presence in public spaces such as downtown Leduc, the Civic Centre, and recreational facilities.
• Positive police engagement: Building trust with business owners and residents through open communication and addressing concerns that might otherwise go unreported.
• Intelligence-led policing: Using crime data and trends to anticipate and address criminal activity effectively.
• Community education: Providing resources and information to residents on crime prevention, fraud awareness, and property crime deterrence.

As the new Officer in Charge, Inspector Samotej is eager to build on the detachment’s strong foundation and foster a safer, more connected community.

In 2011, he transferred to the Serious Crimes Branch—Major Crimes Unit, where he spent 13 years investigating homicides and high-profile cases across Canada and internationally. Over the years, he rose through all non-commissioned ranks within the unit, assuming significant supervisory and managerial responsibilities.

More recently, Inspector Samotej acted as the Serious Crimes Branch—Operations Officer North, overseeing five homicide teams, a Provincial GIS Unit, and other specialized teams. He also served as the Acting Provincial Operations Support Officer, managing units such as Historical Homicides, Behaviour Sciences, Truth Verification, and Missing Persons.

His local connections run deep: he previously worked for the City’s Public Services department during summers and served as a firefighter with Leduc Fire Services. His contributions to community life include coaching youth sports and serving on the board of local athletic programs. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys fishing, mountain biking, and exploring Leduc’s many scenic trails.

In addition to his professional accolades, Inspector Samotej has been recognized for his community engagement and athletic achievements. He is a recipient of the Alberta Centennial Medal, the Alberta Emergency Services Medal, and the City of Leduc’s Citizens of Distinction Award for Athletic Achievement.

Following in his father’s footsteps, who served as Leduc’s first RCMP Inspector from 1999 to 2004, Inspector Samotej continues a proud family legacy.