The RCMP or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are a strong Canadian symbol.
Originally a police force known for horsemanship, the mounted tradition continues today with their famous musical rides.
Internationally Educated Nurses
Someone yells "Call the RCMP!" Would you know what to do?
A palliative patient has told you that she just wants to stay alive long enough to see
her son get married in his "red serge."
Would you know what she meant??
You are taking a family history and the client tells you he is proud that his daughter followed in his footsteps
and became a mountie.
Do you know what a "mountie" is?
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Often depicted by a strong and brave officer dressed in red and black atop a beautiful horse, the Roayl Canadian Mounted Police were
originally called the Northwest Mounted Police. The organization was first formed in 1873.
The name was later changed to the Royal Northwest Mounted Police in 1917 and
then to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 1920.
In carrying out their duties the officers of this unique police force often spent long periods of time in
undeveloped wilderness
with very few provisions. They supported the work and enabled the completion
of the Canadian Pacific Railway and other major settlements in western Canada.
From 1873 to 1920 the mounted police were responsible for federal and provincial law in the
area now known as the western provinces, Yukon, and Northwest territories. During the First World War the
NWMP aided with border patrols and the enforcement of National Security regulations.
In 1920 they became responsible for federal law in all provinces and territories.
1932 saw the RCMP take over provincial policing duties for the provinces of Manitoba, New Brunswick,
Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia as well as their previously mentioned contracts.
The 1930’s also was a time for huge technical changes for the "mounties" with the implementation of
finger printing, photo selection, indexing and many more still standard used policing techniques.
It also was the decade that marine and air divisions as well as a canine unit were added to the RCMP force.
During World War 2 the Royal Canadian Mounted Police force provided invaluable support with their supply vessel and national
security protection. Which through the 1950’s and 1960’s was further developed into a security operations
division and finally grew into the Canadian Security Intelligence Service in the 1980’s,
which is a vital part of Canada’s National Defense Team.
The proud mounted tradition of this police force came to an end in 1966 when the last recruits were trained in horse riding and care.
But the tradition lives on in the RCMP musical ride division. This consists of 32 trained riders and their
group leader. They perform almost magical choreographed moves to music on their impressive
and majestic team of black horses.
The 1970's saw the Royal Canadian Mounted Police diversify into drug enforcement, airport policing and special task forces for
major crimes and economic or money crimes. This was also the decade that welcomed the first women to full uniform duties
In the 1990's they started providing special troops to contribute to international policing efforts
in nations such as Kosovo, Croatia, Haiti, Guatemala and the Western Sahara.
Today this federal police force remains responsible for policing duties in eight provinces and three territories,
national security and borders, organized crime, illicit drugs terrorism and to provide national resources
and support to all other law enforcement agencies in Canada.
From the days of the Gold Rush and the Boer War to the terrorist attacks that face us today the
Royal Canadian Mounted Police have been an essential part of Canada's safety, history and culture.
Brave Canadians have served as heroes and died as proud officers of the noble regiment of the
Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Forever synonymous with Canada's identity, the "mounties" are an intricate part of Canada and its history.
