The Royal Canadian Mounted Police(RCMP), also known as the Mounties, is the federal and national police force of Canada. The Enforcement of federal criminal law is the main responsibility of the RCMP. The Official motto of the RCMP is “uphold the right”; “maintain the right”; “defend the law”.
The force was founded in 1873 and at that time was known as the Northwest Mounted Rifles, but The force soon changed its name to the North West Mounted Police because many U.S. citizens were unnerved by an armed force patrolling the border. The first unit consisted of 300 men who were located in Fort McLeod, Alberta.
Gold was discovered in the Yukon In the late 1800s, and soon after the gold rush began. Many prospectors traveled to the area in search of gold. During the Yukon gold rush the NWMP patrolled the territory.
The NWMP was awarded the “royal” title for military service during the second Boer war. During WW1 the RNWMP conducted border patrols, surveillance of enemy aliens, and enforced national security regulations within Canada. Also during WW1 A squadron of RNWMP officers volunteered for service overseas. After these officers served in WW1 King George V awarded the force the status of a regiment of dragoons; this entitled the force to wear battle honors.
The RNWMP officially merged with the Dominion Police on February 1, 1920; the Dominion Police were the main police force for all points east of Manitoba. This new police force was officially named the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and was now responsible for federal law enforcement, national security, and national counterintelligence. RCMP officers also served in WW2.
The RCMP stopped using horses for regular duty in 1936. However horses are still used in ceremonial events. Frances Gertrude McGill was a pathologist who lived in Saskatchewan in the 1920s; she provided forensic assistance to the RCMP, and also helped establish the first RCMP forensic laboratory in 1937.
In 1949 Newfoundland joined in full confederation with Canada; after Newfoundland officially became a Canadian province the Newfoundland Ranger Force amalgamated with the RCMP. In 1950 the RCMP officially formed a special branch known as the RCMP Security Service; this branch was responsible for national security and domestic intelligence exclusively. In June 1953 the RCMP became a full member of Interpol(International Criminal Police Organization). In 1966 an RCMP recruit no longer had to learn to ride a horse as part of their training.
On May 23, 1974 the RCMP began accepting applications from women. In 1984 the RCMP was replaced by CSIS(Canadian Security Intelligence Service) for counterintelligence, and national security.
Today there are 712 RCMP detachments across Canada, and approximately 20,000 officers. Most RCMP officers carry the Smith & Wesson Model 5946 sidearm. However the emergency response team members, and dog handlers carry the SIG Sauer 226R handgun, and plainclothes officers are issued the Smith & Wesson Model 3953 handgun.
Popular Culture
- “Due South” was a lighthearted Canadian television drama produced by Alliance Communications that aired on CTV from April 26, 1994 to March 14, 1999; CBS aired the first 24 episodes of season 1 but after that canceled the series. The show followed the adventures of RCMP officer Benton Fraser(played by Paul Gross). Fraser moved to Chicago on the trail of the killers of his father, and remained, attached as liaison with the Canadian Consulate.
- Jackson Davies is a Canadian-born actor who acted RCMP officer John Constable in the CBC weekly TV series “The Beachcombers” from from October 1, 1972, to December 12, 1990.
- Jacques Rougeau is a retired Canadian pro-wrestler who adopted the moniker of the “Mountie” in the early 90s. He wore an RCMP officer costume to the ring and used underhanded tactics such as shocking his rivals with a cattle prod device. However The RCMP threatened legal action if Rougeau did not stop misrepresenting the force. So after that Rougeau was no longer referred to as the “Mountie” on any WWE programming. However he did continue to wear RCMP inspired pants, boots, and a red shirt.
