|
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP),
in Canada, national police force, known familiarly as the Mounties, which, since 1950,
enforces law in all provinces except Québec and Ontario.
The corps, organized in 1873 as the Northwest Mounted Police,
gained respect during the 19th century for combating smuggling,
horse thievery, and desperadoes in the violent northern territories.
It is the only law enforcement body in the Northwest and
Yukon territories of Canada, where members serve voluntarily.
The RCMP has its national headquarters in Ottawa,
Ontario, and is under the jurisdiction of the solicitor-general of Canada.
One of the most distinguished police services in the world,
the RCMP enforces both dominion, or federal, statutes and laws of the provinces.
Its responsibilities include prevention of smuggling activities and of illegal narcotics traffic,
internal security, pursuit of criminals, and rescue work.
The present force serves at more than 700 posts, in 17 RCMP divisions, across Canada.
The service has naval and air divisions, as well as crime-detection laboratories.
The force is widely known for its high degree of training,
military bearing and pride, and ceremonial horse shows,
and the Mounties have been the subject of many stories and films.
Their parade uniform consists of a low, broad-brimmed hat, scarlet jacket, and blue trousers with a yellow stripe. |
Anthem
