Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Name	Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Motto	Maintiens le droit (Uphold the Right)
Formed	1 February 1920
Preceding1	North-West Mounted Police
Preceding2	Dominion Police
Jurisdiction	Canada
Headquarters	Ottawa
Minister1 name	Dominic LeBlanc
Minister1 pfo	Minister of Public Safety
Chief1 name	Mike Duheme
Chief1 position	Commissioner
Officers	~19,000
Civilian	~10,000
Website	www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police is the federal and national police service of Canada, providing law enforcement at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels through contracts. Known for their iconic scarlet tunics and Stetson hats, the service is a symbol of Canada both domestically and internationally. It operates under the jurisdiction of the Minister of Public Safety and is headquartered in Ottawa.

History

The force originated as the North-West Mounted Police (NWMP), established in 1873 by Prime Minister John A. Macdonald to bring Canadian law to the North-West Territories. The NWMP played a pivotal role in the North-West Rebellion of 1885 and maintained order during the Klondike Gold Rush. In 1904, King Edward VII granted the "Royal" prefix, creating the Royal North-West Mounted Police. The modern service was formed on February 1, 1920, through the merger of the RNWMP and the Dominion Police, assuming its present name and federal responsibilities. Throughout the 20th century, it expanded its role significantly, including providing security for figures like Queen Elizabeth II and investigating major cases such as the October Crisis.

Organization and structure

The service is headed by the Commissioner, currently Mike Duheme, who reports to the Minister of Public Safety. It is divided into four core operational branches: Federal Policing, Specialized Policing Services, Contract and Indigenous Policing, and National Police Services. Geographically, it is organized into 15 divisions, including divisions like "Depot" Division in Regina and "HQ" Division in the National Capital Region. The force provides provincial policing in all provinces except Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador, and serves as the territorial police in Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.

Duties and responsibilities

Its federal mandate includes enforcing statutes like the Criminal Code, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and the Security Offences Act. Core duties involve combating organized crime, terrorism, and cybercrime, as well as protecting VIPs and critical infrastructure such as Parliament Hill. The service also operates the Canadian Police Information Centre and the National Sex Offender Registry. Through contractual agreements, it delivers frontline policing to hundreds of municipalities, First Nations communities, and airports including Toronto Pearson International Airport.

Training and ranks

All regular members undergo a rigorous 26-week training program at the Academy in Regina, known as "Depot" Division. The training emphasizes firearms proficiency, drill, physical fitness, and practical law enforcement scenarios. The rank structure is paramilitary, beginning at Constable and ascending through Corporal, Sergeant, Staff Sergeant, Inspector, Superintendent, Chief Superintendent, Assistant Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, and finally Commissioner. Specialized training is provided for units like the Emergency Response Team and the Police Dog Service.

Equipment and vehicles

Officers are typically armed with the Smith & Wesson 5946 or the newer Smith & Wesson FPC pistol, along with Colt Canada C8 carbines. Other standard equipment includes ASP batons, pepper spray, and body armour. The fleet consists of over 10,000 vehicles, predominantly Ford Police Interceptors and Dodge Chargers, marked with the distinctive "ghost" graphics. For specialized and tactical operations, the service uses armoured vehicles like the Tactical Armoured Vehicle (TAV) and aircraft such as the Beechcraft King Air.

In popular culture

The force has been a frequent subject in film, television, and literature, often depicted in its iconic red serge. Notable early portrayals include actors like Nelson Eddy in the 1936 film *Rose-Marie* and Alan Ladd in *The Canadians*. Television series such as Due South and North of 60 featured members prominently. The musical ride, a ceremonial equestrian drill team, has been featured in performances for dignitaries worldwide and at events like the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo.

Category:Law enforcement agencies of Canada Category:Police