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How can new top cop Bob Paulson restore public confidence in the RCMP?

To say Bob Paulson has a big job ahead of him would be quite the understatement.

Tagged as the Harper government's new RCMP commissioner, Paulson is tasked with restoring public confidence in a once proud police force now marred with controversy.

Firstly, Paulson needs to show Canadians that the RCMP is serious about punishing Mounties who break the rules.

Paulson said all the right things Wednesday, noting that dealing with the recent sexual harassment allegations were on the top of his priority list.

The new commissioner announced the Commission of Public Complaints Against the RCMP would investigate the allegations and ordered a "comprehensive review" of outstanding complaints of harassment to ensure they are being addressed, CBC News reports.

Additionally, Paulson needs to be proactive in changing the culture within RCMP ranks, according to Linda Duxbury, a workplace expert at Ottawa's Carleton University.

Duxbury told CTV News the RCMP has had a culture of "suck it up, be tough, hang in there" that discourages whistle-blowers and doesn't allow staff to speak up, said Duxbury.

"Quite frankly, (the RCMP) shoots the messenger," she said, adding that Paulson will have to foster an "environment where it's safe to speak up."

Adding to Paulson's challenges is he's being asked to overhaul and energize a massive public institution at a time when the government is pushing austerity.

In terms of limited resources, Duxbury referred to a 2007 report by lawyer David Brown that stated RCMP staff members were overworked, overstressed and demoralized.

Duxbury said that the new commissioner will have to balance fiscal decisions to "keep the Harper government happy, but at the same time, actually do something meaningful for his staff."

In his 25 year career with the RCMP, Paulson has tackled biker gangs and fought domestic terror threats - his job as commissioner may bring even tougher challenges.