Whether you’ve lived in Canada for years or you’re just getting familiar with the country, you’ve probably heard of the RCMP. You might know them for their bright red uniforms and wide-brimmed hats but the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is much more than just a symbol.
In this article, we’ll walk you through what the RCMP is, what they do, and why they’re such an important part of life in Canada. No confusing terms—just simple explanations to help you understand the role of Canada’s most recognized police service.
Let’s start with the basics.
What Does RCMP Stand For and How It All Started?
RCMP stands for Royal Canadian Mounted Police. It’s Canada’s national police service and one of the most well-known police forces in the world.
But where did it all begin?
A Look Back in Time
The RCMP’s story started way back in 1873. At that time, it was known as the North-West Mounted Police. Canada had just expanded westward, and the government needed a strong presence to maintain order, build trust, and help settle the newly joined provinces and territories.
These officers travelled by horseback across huge, undeveloped areas—bringing law, order, and support to communities. Their dedication earned them respect, and over time, they became known as much for their discipline and fairness as for their striking uniforms.
In 1920, the name changed to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the force took on even more responsibilities eventually becoming what it is today: a national police agency working across cities, provinces, and even borders.
What Does the RCMP Do Today?
You might think the RCMP is just like any local police force—but they actually do a lot more.
The RCMP has a unique role because they operate at three levels:
🔹 Federal
🔹 Provincial
🔹 Municipal
Let’s break that down:
Federal Policing
At the national level, the RCMP handles big-picture issues like:
- Drug enforcement
- Cybercrime
- Human trafficking
- Terrorism investigations
- Organized crime
Provincial and Municipal Policing
In many provinces and smaller towns (like in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and parts of British Columbia), the RCMP also acts as the local police—handling day-to-day crime, patrols, and emergencies.
Special Duties
They also take care of:
- Border security
- Protecting politicians and diplomats
- Emergency response teams
- International police cooperation
So whether it’s responding to a local emergency or tackling serious crime on a national level, the RCMP is involved in many parts of keeping Canada safe.
RCMP vs. Local Police — What’s the Difference?
It’s a common question: How is the RCMP different from city or local police?
Here’s the simple answer:
Local Police
Police in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal only serve their specific city or region. Their focus is on local crimes, traffic laws, community safety, and emergencies within their boundaries.
RCMP
The RCMP, on the other hand, can work across the country. They cover multiple provinces and towns and often take the lead on major cases that involve:
- More than one province
- National security
- Organized crime
- Federal laws
In many smaller towns and rural areas, the RCMP is the local police. So you might see RCMP officers doing the same work as city police—just wearing a different uniform and working under a bigger mandate.
Think of it like this
- Local police = Your neighborhood safety team
- RCMP = The team that watches over the whole country (and sometimes both)
The Red Serge: More Than Just a Uniform
When most people picture the RCMP, they imagine a Mountie in a bright red jacket, tall brown boots, and a wide-brimmed hat. That famous outfit is called the Red Serge — and it’s one of Canada’s most iconic images.
But here’s something many people don’t know:
RCMP officers don’t wear the Red Serge every day.
So When Do They Wear It?
The Red Serge is mainly used for:
- Ceremonies
- Parades
- Formal public events
- National celebrations like Canada Day
On regular workdays, RCMP officers wear modern, practical uniforms similar to other police forces, designed for comfort and safety during daily duties.
Why Is It So Special?
The Red Serge isn’t just about style — it represents:
- Pride in service
- Canadian history and tradition
- A symbol of peace and authority known around the world
It’s one of those things that instantly says “Canada” to people, whether they’re tourists or locals.
Modern Challenges: Adapting to Today’s Canada
Like many long-standing institutions, the RCMP is going through a period of change. While it’s known for its tradition, it also faces pressure to grow, improve, and keep up with the needs of a modern, diverse Canada.
Here are some of the key areas they’re working on:
🔸 Diversity and Inclusion
Canada is home to people from all backgrounds, and the RCMP is working to make sure its officers reflect that diversity. More efforts are being made to recruit officers from different cultures, languages, and communities.
🔸 Community Trust
In recent years, there’s been more public discussion about how police interact with people—especially in vulnerable or minority communities. The RCMP is focusing on improving relationships, being more transparent, and rebuilding trust where it’s been lost.
🔸 Training and Accountability
The way officers are trained is also evolving. New programs are being introduced to address mental health, de-escalation techniques, and cultural awareness. Plus, there’s more attention on how police are held accountable for their actions.
🔸 Technology and Crime
Crime is changing—so the RCMP is too. They’re dealing with things like online fraud, cybercrime, and digital threats that didn’t exist a few decades ago. This means more tech-focused training and partnerships with global agencies.
RCMP in Everyday Life: When and Why You Might Interact with Them
Even if you’ve never been in trouble with the law, there are plenty of everyday situations where you might come across the RCMP. They’re not just for emergencies or big investigations — they’re part of regular life for many Canadians.
Here are some common examples:
🔹 Background Checks
Need a background check for a job, visa, or immigration? The RCMP handles these across Canada. You’ll often need one for government jobs, healthcare roles, or working with children.
🔹 Fingerprinting Services
Whether it’s for immigration, employment, or licensing, the RCMP provides fingerprinting services — both in person and through accredited agencies.
🔹 Community Events
RCMP officers often show up at parades, festivals, and public safety days. It’s their way of connecting with the community and being more approachable.
🔹 Emergencies and Reporting Crime
If you live in a town or rural area where the RCMP acts as local police, they’re who you call when you need help. Just dial 911, and RCMP officers will respond.
🔹 Educational Visits
Sometimes, RCMP officers visit schools or community centres to talk about safety, internet awareness, or crime prevention — especially with kids and teens.
RCMP and National Identity: More Than Just Law Enforcement
The RCMP isn’t just a police force — for many, it’s a symbol of Canada itself.
From travel ads to Olympic ceremonies, the image of a Mountie in a red jacket and Stetson hat is instantly recognizable. It represents something more than law and order — it reflects Canadian values like peacekeeping, respect, and tradition.
Here’s how the RCMP shows up beyond policing:
Tourism & Culture
The RCMP is one of the most photographed symbols of Canada. Tourists line up to take pictures with officers in full dress uniform — especially at events like Canada Day or during the Changing of the Guard in Ottawa.
Movies & Media
You’ll often see the RCMP portrayed in films, shows, and books. Sometimes serious, sometimes funny — but always iconic.
Public Events
From leading parades to supporting charities, RCMP officers are part of many major celebrations across the country.
What They Represent
For many Canadians, the RCMP is about more than just catching criminals — it’s about safety, service, and national pride.
Final Thoughts
RCMP really is not just a symbol, but a key part of how Canada stays safe and connected.As Canada’s trusted police agency, the RCMP also manages national fingerprint databases used for background checks, immigration, and professional licensing. That’s why getting fingerprinted through an RCMP-accredited company ensures your identity verification is fast, secure, and recognized nationwide.
Whether you’re applying for a visa, job clearance, or professional license, your fingerprints are compared through RCMP’s secure systems. It’s not just ink on paper—it’s a critical step for your future.
We offer RCMP-certified fingerprinting services. [Book your appointment here.]
Hope you liked the blog! And if you want to know more about how the RCMP fits into everyday processes like background checks and identity verification, you can go through this blog as well: RCMP Certified Fingerprinting & Why It’s Important for Canadians.
It breaks down why certified fingerprinting matters and how it connects to the RCMP’s trusted role across Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the RCMP the same as local police?
Not exactly. While they do similar work, the RCMP serves at a national level and often handles federal cases. In many towns and rural areas, they also act as the local police force.
Do all provinces use the RCMP?
Most do but Ontario and Quebec have their own provincial police (OPP and SQ). The RCMP still works in those provinces, just not as the local police.
Can I contact the RCMP in an emergency?
Yes. Just dial 911 anywhere in Canada, and the right emergency service — including the RCMP if they cover your area will respond.
Why do I need RCMP fingerprinting?
It’s often required for things like immigration, employment clearances, licenses, or security background checks. RCMP-certified fingerprinting ensures the results are accurate and recognized across Canada.
Do RCMP officers really ride horses?
Sometimes especially during parades, shows, or formal events like the Musical Ride. But for everyday police work, they use regular vehicles and gear.
Navneet Lotey
Navneet Lotey has over 5 years of experience in fingerprinting. He aims to deliver accurate, easy-to-understand fingerprinting solutions for individuals and businesses alike.