Philippe Pichet proposed as Montreal's new police chief

Philippe Pichetis Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre's choice to be the new head of the Montreal police force.

In a news conference on Friday,Coderresaid he's recommendingPichetfor the top job.

Pichethas been with the force since the early 90s and part of the force'sadministrationsince 2005.

Hehas held positions in operation planning and worked with the counter-terrorism unit. Currently, he's an assistant director.

"He's someone who is very professional," saidCoderre. "He's shown me he's ready for another challenge."

Coderresaid a total of six people came forward for the job.

If selected,Pichetwould replaceMarc Parent, who finishes his term in September. Parent announced in last Mayhe would notseek another mandate.

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After 31 years as a police officer and five years as head of the force, Parent said the time had come to move on.

"It's a personal decision," he told CBC."I'm convinced that inside the organization we have the people to take charge, so it's a good time for me to do that."

The provincial government will decide who becomes police chief. Public Security Minister Lise Thriault is expected to make the decision on Aug. 20.