Mass Casualty Commission Calls for Overhaul of RCMP Training Program

Strategic Insights -

The Mass Casualty Commission has released a final report recommending a significant overhaul of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police's (RCMP) training program, citing a model in Finland as a potential solution. The commission, which investigated the 2020 mass shooting in Nova Scotia that left 22 dead, has highlighted the inadequacy of the current six-month training program for RCMP recruits, which is followed by six months of on-the-job training. The report suggests that a three-year degree program for police officers, as implemented in Finland, would better equip officers to handle the complex demands of contemporary policing.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Mass Casualty Commission recommends that Canada's police forces, including the RCMP, adopt a three-year degree program for police officers, similar to Finland's model.
  • The current RCMP training program, which includes six months of training at Depot and six months of on-the-job training, has been deemed "inadequate" by the commission.
  • The commission suggests that a university degree should be the minimum standard for police officers, as it has been shown to reduce the use of force and improve tolerance for diversity and inclusivity.
  • Policing in Finland is based on a motto of "civilized," with an emphasis on communication and respect, and has a reputation for being one of the most trusted police forces in the world.
  • The commission report notes that a thorough vetting of candidates is essential, including independent research and evaluation of skills and knowledge.
  • RCMP Chief Supt. Chris Leather testified that recruit standards have decreased in recent years, leading to a decrease in interest in the program.
  • A 30-year veteran of policing, Scott Blandford, agrees that change takes political will and a commitment of resources from government, and hopes that the commission's recommendations will be implemented to shape the future of policing.

Statistics:

  • The commission report indicated that a three-year degree program would better equip police officers to handle tasks such as investigating sexual assault complaints, criminal harassment, uttering threats, and recognizing and responding to gender-based and intimate partner violence.
  • Six months of training is deemed inadequate for police recruits, who should be trained in a program that includes a university degree.
  • The RCMP's operational effectiveness has been impaired by its "failure to embrace a research-based approach to program development and police education" and its "lack of openness to independent research."
  • Revamping standards for police training has been proposed but has not been acted on in the past.
  • The commission recommends that RCMP training be pulled out of Depot and distributed to new training facilities across the country.

Sources:

  • [CBC News]