RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson says he will attempt to boost the numbers of women in both the senior ranks and incoming groups of cadets, while also working to stamp out purported sexual harassment in the national police force.

On Thursday, Paulson was officially installed as the 23rd commissioner of the RCMP following a formal change of command ceremony in Ottawa.

The 52-year-old commissioner first joined the Mounties in 1986 and spent almost two decades working on unsolved murders, as well aboriginal and community policing duties and organized-crime probes throughout British Columbia. Paulson moved to Ottawa to work at the RCMP headquarters in 2005 and was named to the top job last month.

Speaking with reporters after the ceremony, Paulson explained his approach to tackling the harassment issue that has come to light in recent weeks, and which he has previously identified as his top priority.

Paulson said the solution lies in ensuring that unacceptable behaviours are rooted out and that reported cases of harassment are dealt with promptly.

"The vast majority of our employees are dedicated, hard-working men and women that are committed to public safety," Paulson said.

"So I think that the problem is making sure that those behaviours are changed and when they are identified, that they are acted on swiftly in a way that restores the trust of Canadians."

Paulson said he also wants more women joining the RCMP and more women taking part in the decision making at senior levels.

Thursday's change of command ceremony marked the end of William Elliott's tenure as commissioner of the RCMP.

The first-ever civilian to lead the national police force, Elliott will now move on to a job with Interpol.

Elliott presided over the RCMP during one of the stormiest periods in its history and endured a revolt by senior officers who clashed with his management style.

With files from The Canadian Press