NCJ Number
86747
Date Published
1981
Length
16 pages
Annotation
The evolution of policing in Canada began with the formation of municipal police forces, followed by the establishment of provincial forces to enforce Federal law after confederation, with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police then acting as a Federal force and often contracting to police Provinces and cities.
Abstract
In 1834, the first police force in Canada was formed in Toronto. A full-time high constable was appointed with authority to hire and appoint special constables. A similar pattern was followed by other cities as the need became apparent. In 1867, Canada became a nation, with most of the Provinces entering into confederation. The Federal Government was given responsibility for enacting criminal laws; however, responsibility for enforcement was given to the Provinces. Provinces in turn have assigned authority to cities and towns to police in their jurisdictions. Provincial police forces serve rural areas. The Northwest Mounted Police was created by Federal statute in 1873 to police the Northwest Territories, becoming the Royal Northwest Mounted Police (RNMP) in 1904. In 1905, the Provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta were created, and rather than establish their own provincial police, they contracted with the Federal Government for the RNMP to assume the duties of provincial police. In 1920, the Federal Government extended the jurisdiction of the RNMP to the whole of Canada, and it became the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). By 1950, all but two Provinces -- Ontario and Quebec -- had contracted with the RCMP to be provincial police. In addition to having the powers of peace officer, the RCMP also act as customs and excise officers for the whole of Canada. A large number of private organizations or companies have their own police and security forces, and there are private investigative agencies and security services which serve under contract. Eight suggestions for further reading are provided.