DPR 2004-2005
Royal Canadian Mounted Police

2. INTERNATIONAL POLICING (INCLUDING PEACEKEEPING)

Why International Policing is a Strategic Priority:

Since September 11, 2001, countries around the world have re-examined the way they manage intelligence and law enforcement. They are placing increasing emphasis on developing non-traditional competencies and skill sets, and on building their capacity to deal with the new criminal and terrorist environment.

A number of countries have restructured or are in the process of restructuring their security, intelligence and law enforcement functions. In their re-examination of intelligence management functions, and identification of new competencies, forces around the world have recognized the importance of integrated policing and are learning from experiences of allied countries.

Globalization presents increasing challenges for government and all law enforcement agencies. It emphasizes the need for our organization to take a leadership role in enhancing cooperation at the strategic and tactical levels between the RCMP and other domestic and international law enforcement agencies. The successful implementation of our terrorism and organized crime strategies is critically dependant on the delivery of international policing services.

The RCMP’s international policing strategy focuses on effective support of international operations. Building on our experience in international peace-building and peacekeeping, our relationships with Interpol and Europol, and with our foreign liaison and training programs, the RCMP continues to develop new partnerships and agreements on behalf of the Canadian police community.

The strategic priority of protecting children from sexual exploitation is also an international issue. The nature of online child exploitation is without borders, which poses an interesting challenge for law enforcement around the world. The expansion of the National Child Exploitation Coordination Centre (NCECC) was initiated as part of the Government of Canada’s National Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Exploitation on the Internet. The NCECC serves as the one point of contact for child sexual exploitation investigations that involve Canada and Canadian law enforcement. The NCECC works closely with national and international law enforcement to combat online child exploitation. 

Strategic Outcome

• Effective support of International Operations

Outcome Statements

• Use modern management and assessment practices to ensure the services provided meet the needs of our domestic and international clients and partners 
• Contribute to the common priorities of combating organized crime and terrorism 

Intermediate Outcomes

• Enhanced information / intelligence exchange 
• Improved evidence collection abroad 

Immediate Outcomes

• Increased/enhanced partnerships 
• Timely processing of international requests 
• Increased awareness of international police services 

Business Line / Key Program Accountability

• Federal Policing Services (FPS/Peacekeeping Services) 
• Protective Policing Services (PPS) 
• National Police Services (NPS – NCECC, CIO) 
• Corporate Infrastructure / Strategic Direction (SD)

Plans and Priorities

• Build new and strengthen existing partnerships – strengthen existing relationships and build new partnerships in Canada and internationally (PPS) (FPS) (SD) (NPS)
• Assist countries to rebuild policing capacities, preventing importation of criminal activities, collaborating with foreign civilian police forces and studying foreign cultures to better understand Canadian cultural communities (FPS)
• Strategically place and effectively use international services; based on sound intelligence/information, strategically located and appropriately tasked personnel (FPS) (NPS)
• Appropriately place Liaison Officers in foreign jurisdictions to assist Canadian investigators to collect evidence and gather intelligence related to organized crime activities (FPS) 
• Be intelligence-led: Operationalize the Ops model through effective, intelligence-based priority setting and decision making (FPS) 
• Inform public policy – provide valued input into public policy formation and decision making regarding national and international issues
  (FPS) (SD) 
• Secure health and safety of employees – ensure the health and safety of all employees by providing them with appropriate information, training and equipment (FPS) 
• Communicate effectively – ensure that employees and relevant national and international communities are aware of the strategic direction, roles and responsibilities of Federal Policing Services (FPS) (SD) 
• Optimize enabling science and technology – optimize use of internal and external information systems/data and develop new processes to address gaps (FPS) (NPS – CIO and Technical Operations)
• Provide training to selected international partners on advanced and specialized courses (NPS – CPC, NCECC)
• Work with international partners, such as the Virtual Global Taskforce (VGT), Interpol, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security, to help ensure the safety of children and the prosecution of perpetrators in Internet-based child sexual exploitation cases (NPS – NCECC)
• Implement an integrated approach to investigating online child exploitation cases on an international level (NPS – NCECC)
• Expand the Child Exploitation Tracking System (CETS) internationally to respond effectively to the borderless nature of online criminal behaviour (NPS – NCECC)

Key Partners

PSEPC (SGC); DOJ; CBSA; FAC ; CIDA; DND; Industry Canada; UN; Prime Minister’s Office (PMO); the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE); the Commonwealth Police Development Task Force (CPDTF); Interpol; OAS; and foreign law enforcement agencies and participating Canadian law enforcement agencies

Contributions towards effectively supporting International Operations:

Over the last year International Policing has undertaken a number of key initiatives to ensure its strategic objectives are being achieved. In an effort to strategically recruit and train personnel for the 2005 rotation of Liaison Officers, an open competition was held for the first time. This competition resulted in 600 applications for nine Liaison Officer positions. Post Profiles are now being utilized to ensure the members selected have the necessary skill sets and experience to work at a specific post. These skill sets include such things as language capability, experience in international investigations, drug investigation, national security matters, past exposure to the cultural group where the member will be working, etc. In addition to the normal pre-posting training, a special effort was made to instruct the successful candidates and their spouses on the “what can be expected” in adapting to a foreign culture and thus provide them with sufficient information to ensure their initial arrival and settling-in period is not more stressful than it need be, and thereby contribute to the well-being of our personnel abroad. (FPS)

Additionally, a research project was conducted to assess personality characteristics of International Liaison Officers as a selection criterion for determining the successful completion of an assignment. This study was done to specifically assess the cross-cultural adjustment to a foreign country and the integration back into Canada. The results show that a selection system for expatriate assignments should include a personality assessment early in the selection process to determine which individuals possess these traits. (FPS)

A joint presentation on the international roles of the Interpol and International Operations programs was developed for Canadian law enforcement agencies. It covers the “how” and “when” to request their assistance, and the importance of responding to requests from foreign law enforcement partners in order to ensure ongoing reciprocity in international criminal investigations. Along these lines, a protocol for use in international criminal investigations has been developed and will be adopted in the autumn of 2005 (facilitated by the return to 24/7 coverage by Interpol). (FPS)
Interpol Ottawa has rolled out the Interpol Electronic Automated Search Facility (EASF), a database housed in Lyon, France, with information on internationally wanted persons, stolen travel documents and stolen vehicles. This search capability has been provided to a number of RCMP units and is in the process of being rolled out to the Toronto Metro Police Service and the Canadian Border Service Agency. This tool should greatly aid in preventing the entry into Canada of persons associated to organized crime and terrorist groups. (FPS)

Deployments of police officers to International Peacekeeping Operations are carried out under the provisions of the Canadian Policing Arrangement (CPA). This is a partnership that brings together Foreign Affairs (FAC), Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada (PSEPC) and the RCMP. The CPA is in the last year of a three-year, $19M arrangement. This funding presents challenges due to the competing priorities for domestic law enforcement and National Security issues. In this context, Canadian Policing agencies have more difficulty releasing their personnel for international peacekeeping missions. This results in delays in identifying police officers or, in some cases, an inability to deploy the requested number of officers to missions. On the positive side, when resources are available, the RCMP is usually able to deploy them within a time frame of 6 to 8 weeks, which is considered to be acceptable to most of our international partners (UN, EU, AU etc.). (FPS)

The International Travel Section (ITS) analyzes administrative travel requests to ensure there is value-added for the organization by recommending the most appropriate individual(s) to represent the RCMP at international events. ITS disseminate information on the locations to which frontline members are travelling, so that they are current on events and geo-political realities prior to their departure. (FPS)

The Travel and Visits Tracking System (TVTS) enhances the health and safety of travelling RCMP employees by tracking their travel and accurately locating them at any given time. TVTS ensures fiscal accountability through its reporting and tracking mechanism. For instance, since the official launch of TVTS in March 7, 2005, 148 requests for international operational travel have been tracked. This figure equates to over $150,000 in travel expenses that were dedicated solely to operational investigations. The trend illustrated in the first quarter since the inception of TVTS could equate to half a million dollars in operational travel expenses and 500 travel requests per year dedicated solely to operational duties in the international fora. (FPS)

The International Visits and Protocol Section (IVPS) assists in establishing a business environment that will enhance and facilitate cooperation and partnerships with the international policing community. IVPS communicates the core values of the RCMP – respect, honesty, professionalism, compassion and accountability – by ensuring our actions and presentation demonstrate cultural sensitivity. These procedures are the basis for creating the work environment that will advance integration and establish Joint Force Operations or Joint Management Teams thus benefiting law enforcement partners around the world. IVPS proactively sets up the environment that provides a bias free environment through mutual respect. In 2004, the RCMP hosted 100 visits from 41 countries, a total of 462 senior police and criminal justice visitors, with China, UK, Australia and the US making nearly half of these visits. (FPS)

The Foreign Drug Cooperation Section supports RCMP drug enforcement efforts by enhancing cooperation with developing countries. Accordingly, this section works closely with Liaison Officers to develop programs which have a direct impact on current relations with foreign countries and which serve to build strong and lasting relationships under sometimes very difficult situations. During 2004/2005, this section implemented the following assistance projects: International Observer Attachment Program (for Middle East and Asia); International Observer Attachment Program (for Caribbean and Latin America); Organized Crime Priority Setting (Trinidad); Advanced Drug Investigation Techniques (regional for Latin America); Undercover Program Overview (regional for Caribbean); and Drug Investigation Techniques (regional for Caribbean). (FPS)

Liaison Officers continuously identify this type of cooperation effort and assistance as a means to gain the confidence and trust of foreign agencies and, increasingly, as a means of improving the quality of their assistance during investigations. The nature of these initiatives can vary according to needs and can include study tours, materiel assistance, workshops, and attachment programs. (FPS)

In addition to its collaboration with the liaison program, the RCMP Drug Branch proactively manages its activities in function of RCMP and Canadian priorities, of multilateral concerns and priorities identified in fora such as the United Nations Office of Drug Control (UNODC), Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD), and International Drug Enforcement Conference. This further allows us to actively seek partners who share our priorities to assist with funding and other resources. (FPS)

Additionally, we are helping to build capacity by exposing international law enforcement officers to the techniques and best practices utilized by the RCMP, and we are enhancing their investigative skills and helping to ensure that investigations are carried out in an effective and organized manner. Since most of our projects are regional in scope, we are also helping attendees make contacts and build partnerships with neighbouring countries and with the RCMP. (FPS)

Programs/Projects/Initiatives of Special Interest

G8 Statement of Principles Concerning the Use and Sharing of DNA Information – As reflected in the G8 Statement of Principles Concerning the Use and Sharing of DNA Information, FLS is working with the Law Enforcement Projects Subgroup. The eventual intention of this subgroup is to promote the transnational sharing of DNA information while respecting the privacy and the security of the information. (NPS)

Real Time Identification (RTID) – Fingerprint and criminal record information is exchanged with partner Interpol countries through conventions and charters. RTID will create an environment that facilitates the exchange of criminal and fingerprint information in a more timely and efficient manner. Canada’s role on the international stage relative to policing and its obligation to federal needs through Citizenship and Immigration Canada will strategically assist in building partnership capacity. (NPS)

Firearms Reference Table (FRT) – The Firearms Reference Table is about to be adopted by Interpol and put to use in over 160 Interpol member countries to improve the accuracy of firearms descriptions used in international traces of firearms. Interpol will also be using the FRT to support the recently negotiated United Nations small arms and light weapons marking and tracing instrument. For more details, please refer to the Firearms Reference Table under the Organized Crime strategic priority. (NPS)

National Weapons Enforcement Support Team (NWEST) – NWEST is pursuing personnel exchanges for training with the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

NWEST participates in various international forums such as: 

• Canada–US Firearms Trafficking Consultative Group
• Canada and the US Cross Border Crime Forum
• Interpol Weapons Electronic Tracing System (IWETS) program – the conduit for international firearms tracing (NPS)

NWEST is currently involved with the United Nations in negotiating the international instrument for the timely and reliable identification and tracing of illicit small arms and light weapons. NWEST is also involved with several reports:

• The author of Canada’s contribution to the G8 Threat Assessment on The Illegal International Trafficking of Firearms for Criminal Activities
• Contributed to the production of the Canada and United States Firearms and Explosives Threat Assessment (NPS)

International Partnerships – FLS has agreements in place with the Bermuda Police Service and the Department of National Defence (Canadian and International operations) to conduct forensic analysis and attend court as expert witnesses. FLS completed nine cases and attended court four times for the Bermuda Police Force in 2004/2005. On request by the RCMP Liaison Officer in a region, FLS will accept cases from a country when it supports the RCMP goals of international policing. (NPS)

Canadian International DNA Sharing Agreement with Interpol – In compliance with the Canadian International DNA Sharing Agreement with Interpol, the National DNA Data Bank (NDDB) has requested 53 searches to Interpol and received 150 search requests from outside member states. These requests have generated three matches. On October 25, 2004, Canada made its first DNA match involving three countries. A DNA profile developed by the RCMP laboratories matched a convicted offender in California to an assault of a Canadian citizen that occurred in Mexico. (NPS)

Missing Children – The RCMP exchanges vital information through an international network of law enforcement and civil authorities to locate missing children and reunite them with their parents or legal guardians. The program works cooperatively and collectively with the Interpol Network and with various international civil authorities and bodies that are signatory to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. (NPS)

Canadian Air Carrier Protective Program (CACPP) – In consultation with DFAIT, the Canadian Air Carrier Protective Program (CACPP) continues to strengthen its partnerships with trans-border and international Air Marshall partners. Protocols and SOGs (Standard Operating Guidelines) were developed with various trans-border and international partners relating to the deployment of Air Protection Officers (APOs). New international partnerships were increased by 200% and trans-border partnerships were increased by 88%. (PPS)

2010 Winter Olympic Games – Protective Policing has already begun to plan for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games by providing security planning advice to the Vancouver Olympic Planning Committee (VANOC). (PPS)

Looking Forward

The Government of Canada has undertaken a number of international initiatives and the RCMP, particularly International Policing, is striving to parallel these initiatives. (FPS)

The October 2004 Speech from the Throne, clearly articulates the Government of Canada’s commitment to Canada’s “role of pride and influence in the world”. Through Interpol Ottawa, the International Operations Branch (LO Program), the International Travel and Visits Branch (ITVB), and the International Peacekeeping Branch (IPB), the RCMP will continue to enable major frontline policing investigations – 80 per cent of which have an international connection often involving multiple countries. (FPS)

The release of the April 2005 International Policy Statement demonstrates a clear commitment to Canada’s 3D approach (defence, diplomacy and development).The RCMP, through Peacekeeping and the International Operations Branch, will continue to play an integral role in Canada’s 3D approach, namely the defence and development commitments, by enabling peacekeepers to serve in a frontline policing capacity in peacekeeping missions around the world and providing training to countries developing their police infrastructure. (FPS)

The 2005 Federal Budget commits to doubling international assistance by 2010. It also commits to strengthening Canada’s contribution to peace, prosperity and security in the world and provides an extra $3.4 billion in international assistance over the next five years. We are in the process of developing a strategy for International Peacekeeping to increase the RCMP’s role in Canada’s contribution to peace, prosperity and security in the world. A study has been commissioned to document the real costs of deploying peacekeepers and managing the program. Should this initiative be successful, it will result in an increased capacity to identify and deploy peacekeepers in a timely manner without detriment to our domestic policing commitments. (FPS)

In the context of peacekeeping policing services, it is important to recognize that not all results are achievable because of the very nature of the work. While Canadians had some measure of success in achieving particular goals, their work was sometimes hampered or limited by broader objectives and challenges of the host multilateral organization. In the international/multilateral environment some things are outside the realm of Canadian control. We will be working with the United Nations to ensure that our resources are recognised for their expertise and that the UN takes full advantage of our peacekeepers’ knowledge, skills and abilities to achieve mission goals. (FPS)

The 2005 Budget contains a section entitled “Meeting our Global Responsibilities”, which states that Canadians want their country to play an influential role in global affairs. Through the International Travel and Visits Branch (ITVB), the RCMP enables employees of Canada’s national police force to develop global policing partnerships that are key to the safety and security of citizens around the world. (FPS)

Environmental scanning by the Government of Canada and the RCMP suggests that of all the key priorities, International Policing and the integration of law enforcement efforts will remain on the radar screen throughout the next decade. The RCMP will continue to be one of the leading government departments involved in international initiatives with foreign counterparts. (FPS)

3. TERRORISM

Why Terrorism is a Strategic Priority:

Our world community is becoming smaller and smaller. The tools that globalization has brought to the hands of citizens and governments – open borders, international travel, electronic banking and communication – are also being used by terrorist groups to conduct their operations – and on a scale similar to that of a multinational corporation.

The threat of terrorism in contemporary society is continuously changing, presenting intelligence and investigative challenges to governments around the world. Potential terrorists have not yet necessarily engaged in criminal activity and are therefore difficult to recognize and impede. Terrorist organizations are increasingly sophisticated, with educated members linked through technology allowing them to operate in cells worldwide.
The nature of criminal investigations into terrorist activity is often different from investigations into organized crime and other criminal threats. The main purpose of a terrorist organization may not be to commit criminal acts against Canada, but to use it as a base for planning, recruiting members and raising funds. In addition, “single issue terrorism” (extremist groups dedicated to specific issues versus widespread political change) has been identified by law enforcement as a serious threat in Canada and around the globe. The worldwide operations base of terrorist groups emphasizes the importance of an integrated policing approach in which intelligence is shared among countries around the world. 

The RCMP continues to align and adapt its criminal investigations in Canada and abroad to meet the challenges of terrorist activity in the current environment. In addition to responding to and investigating daily threats having a terrorism nexus, the RCMP’s focus on terrorism financing, cyber threats and threats to critical infrastructure are but a few examples of this “current environment” reality. 

Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, the Government of Canada recognized the need to significantly enhance its terrorism response capabilities and to improve the legislative framework for protecting Canada and Canadians from terrorist threats. This need was highlighted once again most recently by the tragic events that have taken place in Madrid, Spain; London, England; and Sharm el-Sheik, Egypt. 
In April 2004, the Government of Canada launched Securing an Open Society – Canada’s National Security Policy, its first ever integrated approach to national security. The RCMP is fully engaged in a number of initiatives highlighted in the national security policy, which serve to enhance and support our existing efforts at combating terrorism. Through our existing programs and these new measures, we are well positioned to contribute to the Government of Canada’s goal of protecting the key Canadian values of democracy, human rights, respect for the rule of law and pluralism by being better prepared to contribute to preventing and responding to security threats to our country that fall within our mandate. We recognize the seriousness of the challenges we face and are aware that a sustained approach to national security is required.

Addressing many of these security threats requires a coordinated approach with key partners. The RCMP’s terrorism strategy focuses on reducing the threat of terrorist activity by using an intelligence-led, integrated approach to achieve this goal. Collaboration is key. We must reach out across borders and not be limited by geography or jurisdiction. We need to better understand the cultural and political environments of our international law enforcement partners. We need to leverage resources, develop common goals and strategies, share information and intelligence, and strengthen our partnerships and synergies.

The RCMP is committed to working in partnership with domestic and foreign agencies to enhance terrorism prevention measures in North America and elsewhere. Our commitment to reducing the threat of criminal terrorist activity is illustrated by our participation in national security committees and working groups aimed at enhancing intelligence, transportation security, border integrity and information sharing. 

Our integrated approach puts us on a long-term path to enhancing the security of our country. The measures announced in Securing an Open Society address gaps in our system and have been incorporated within our existing program mix. But we also recognize the need to continually adapt to our ever-changing environment. We will continue to evolve our terrorism strategy to ensure we remain focused on protecting Canadians at home and abroad, ensuring that Canada does not become a base for threats to our allies and to continue to contribute to international security.

Strategic Outcome

• Reduce the threat of criminal terrorist activity in Canada and abroad

Outcome Statement

• Investigate and deter terrorist entities from committing crimes in Canada and abroad

Intermediate Outcomes

• Effective terrorism investigations, both nationally and internationally 
• Enhanced ability to detect, prevent/disrupt and investigate terrorist offences/groups 

Immediate Outcomes

• Improved collection, production, coordination and sharing of information and intelligence 
• Enhanced partnerships – nationally and internationally

Business Line / Key Program Accountability

• Federal Policing Services (FPS) 
• Protective Policing Services (PPS) 
• National Police Services (NPS) 

Plans and Priorities

• Ensure border integrity – contribute to the national security of Canada and protect Canadians from terrorism, organized crime and other border- related criminality, while allowing for the secure and effective international movement of people and goods (FPS) 
• Successfully detect, prevent/disrupt and investigate terrorist activity (FPS) 
• Expand collection and sharing of information and intelligence, both domestically and internationally (FPS) (NPS) 
• Deliver quality criminal intelligence – to provide a comprehensive map of terrorist activity in Canada (FPS) 
• Build new and strengthen existing partnerships – strengthen existing relationships and build new partnerships in Canada and internationally (NPS) (FPS) (PPS)
• Position Canadian Air Carrier Protective Program resources according to risk to better address the terrorist threat (PPS) 
• Maximize number of flights completed with existing Aircraft Protective Officers by keeping to a minimum the administrative complement (PPS) 
• Harden potential targets in diplomatic missions (PPS) 
• Increase security of Government of Canada sites including Parliament Hill (PPS) 
• Improve Protective Policing database to a dynamic, multiple entry point database (PPS) 
• Enhance current information process to capture information on National Crime Data Base (PPS) 
• Improve major events planning to reduce threats of terrorism and acts of violence (PPS) 
• Contribute to public policy – provide valued input into public policy decision making regarding national and international issues (FPS) (SD) 
• Strengthen national security program management – improve national management of RCMP activities related to the detection, prevention and investigation of terrorist activity (FPS)
• Communicate effectively to internal and external audiences (FPS) 
• Provide training in counter-terrorism techniques including explosive device investigation (NPS – CPC)

Key Partners

PSEPC (SGC); Privy Council Office (PCO); Department of Justice (DOJ); CSIS; Communications Security Establishment (CSE); CIC; Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA); Transport Canada (TC); Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA); Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP); US Coast Guard; US Customs and Border Protection / Office of Border Patrol (US CBP/BP); US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (US ICE); US Department of Justice (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives [ATF]); US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); DFA (DFAIT); Interpol; Europol; P8 Senior Experts Groups on Transnational Organized Crime; OAS Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism (CICTE); and International Association of Chiefs of Police and counterpart agencies in the US, England and Australia

Contributions towards reducing the threat of terrorist activity in Canada and abroad:

In the months since the National Security Policy was released, significant progress has been made in addressing gaps in our system and in further strengthening Canada’s threat assessment, prevention and response capabilities.

• RCMP’s senior executives, including the Commissioner, delivered presentations to the Cross-Cultural Roundtable on Security, which was created to engage Canadians and the Government of Canada in a long-term dialogue on matters related to national security as they impact a diverse and pluralistic society (FPS) 
• Improvements continue to be made in transportation security. The on-water presence of the Canadian Forces, the RCMP and Canadian Coast Guard has been increased, and Canada–United States cooperation on marine security issues has been strengthened. Additional measures have also been implemented to further strengthen aviation and cargo security and to secure Canada’s land border crossings (FPS)
• Implementation of the RCMP’s Real Time Identification (RTID) project is proceeding (FPS)
• Progress continues to be made in implementing the Canada–US Smart Border Declaration and Action Plan, e.g., with the co-location of IBETs, and the development of new binational and trinational activities under the Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP)
• Canada is creating a Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building Program that will contribute to the security of Canadians and the inhabitants of vulnerable states by providing those states with training, funding, equipment and technical and legal assistance to enable them to prevent and respond to terrorist activity

Ministerial Directives require that national security criminal investigations be centrally coordinated by National Headquarters, and the RCMP is committed to concluding all criminal investigations into terrorist activity against established criteria to minimize criminal threats and risks to public safety. Further to this goal, the RCMP will continue to work closely with government partners and across the law enforcement community, domestically and internationally, to successfully investigate and disrupt terrorist activity. (CID)

In 2004/2005, we tracked and analyzed the number of projects/investigations related to key terrorist targets that are successfully concluded and 100% of them have been concluded within the defined criteria. We are also monitoring national trends in how these cases are being concluded to identify best practices that could be shared with our field personnel. (CID)

A central survey was completed this year to measure the satisfaction of our external Canadian policing partners and from non-policing stakeholders that are impacted by our work and/or have a working relationship with the RCMP, with the intelligence products the RCMP provides, related to terrorism. Overall, the answers indicated that they generally feel the information and intelligence provided by the RCMP is more comprehensive, accurate, timely and relevant or it has been fairly stable over the last few years. The non-policing stakeholders also expressed the opinion that the RCMP is improving in the extent to which it makes a valuable contribution to reducing the threat of terrorist activity in Canada and abroad. (CID)

Employees within the RCMP were also surveyed and the results showed that the efforts in the areas of product timeliness, relevancy and comprehensiveness are realizing some success and there has been an increase in the appropriate sharing of our products and the use of intelligence products for decision making. (CID)

We have increasingly worked in an integrated fashion to reduce the threat of terrorism in Canada. The success realized through our investigations has resulted in a number of disruptions of planned terrorist-related activity which has served to reduce the national threat level. (CID)

By identifying and sharing best practices across the RCMP, our resources are deployed in a more effective and efficient manner, which improves the safety of police officers and the public. (CID)

We are providing tools to decision makers at all levels to make more effective, well-informed decisions. This helps the RCMP to refine our efforts and to become increasingly intelligence-led. (CID)

Formation of a new INSET in “K” Division (Alberta), which builds on a successful model developed in other centres, has brought together skills and resources to address significant threats such as those in the oil and gas sector. (CID)

The Integrated Immigration Enforcement Team (IIET) program is an integral part of the RCMP and the Government of Canada’s commitment to address national security concerns through an integrated, multi-agency approach that provides Canadians with a high level of comfort and security. Their primary function has been to address national security issues as they relate to immigration matters. Since their creation, IIET have screened and vetted the 53,000 outstanding immigration warrants for any National Security concerns; conducted investigations into document vendors and forgers who may be terrorists or are linked to terrorist networks; investigated the illegal use of an estimated 50,000 lost/stolen Canadian passports; and conducted extensive investigations on individuals who abuse the citizenship process and engage in the fraudulent use of Canadian citizenship cards. (FPS)

The Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET) program has significantly contributed to the objectives articulated in the Smart Border Accord Declaration and Action Plan to enhance border integrity between Canada and the United States by identifying, investigating and interdicting persons and organizations that pose a threat to national security or are engaged in other organized criminal activity. There has been an increase in the efficiency of border-related investigations as more and more investigations are based on intelligence-sharing by all IBET partners – instead of merely random enforcement activity – through the co-locations of four IBETs, which has improved information-sharing between the IBET core agencies and enhanced border integrity through the development of joint intelligence-led operations plans. More local targets have been identified and linked to individuals and organizations of interest to other law enforcement agencies which have responsibilities related to the Canada/US border, thereby allowing for improved opportunities for joint interdiction of smugglers and criminal organizations. Law enforcement and government departments now have an improved understanding of the illegal smuggling and trafficking of humans along the Canada/US border including the potential national security implications related to these illegal activities. The threat of terrorist activity in Canada and abroad has been reduced, as illustrated by the fact there has not been a border-related national security threat against either the Government of Canada or the United States or the general population since the IBET national program was implemented. (FPS)

The Ports Strategy is part of the RCMP’s overall mandate to ensure Border Integrity. The overall objective is to take an intelligence-led, multi-disciplinary and integrated approach to prevent, deter and detect illegal activity, cargo or people who may pose a threat to the safety and security of Canada, the United States and the international community. Investigative teams are fully integrated and intelligence-led with a goal of significantly disrupting and/or eliminating the capacity of organized crime groups. Previous marine intervention capability focused on criminal activity and the risk assessment was medium. The new course training standard is designed to enable the RCMP to increase training for ERTs in support of maritime security and the prevention of criminal activity. (FPS)

The Security & Prosperity Partnership (SPP) is a Privy Council Office (Borders Task Group) initiative formerly known as the North American Initiative (NAI) and New Partnership Security Working Group (NPSWG). Among the 27 initiatives found within the SPP matrix, the RCMP top five as approved by the Ops. Council are: 1) Terrorist watch list; 2) Law enforcement cooperation; 3) Money laundering, tax evasion, currency and alien smuggling; 4) Maritime security; and 5) Emergency management cooperation. (FPS)

Measures put in place by Canada as a result of 9/11, with the Smart Border Action Plan appear to have had some impact. Although further research would be required to attribute the decrease specifically to law enforcement strategies and policies, there has been a decrease of 39% in the total of seized altered travel documents between 2001 and 2004. (MISIII data as of July 2005) (FPS)

The contraband tobacco market has direct linkage to terrorist activity where it has been confirmed that Canadians have been identified as using the proceeds from this illegal activity in terrorist financing. The Customs and Excise Program works in close collaboration with the US law enforcement agencies in combating the illicit trafficking of contraband tobacco products. To demonstrate the RCMP’s commitment to integrated binational law enforcement, stakeholders are brought together on an annual basis to identify strategic objectives in countering the illicit tobacco trade in both Canada and the US. (FPS)

The RCMP’s Real Time Identification (RTID) project focuses on the delivery of information at the speed that clients require. It will expand the collection and sharing of intelligence to facilitate domestic and international efforts in the fight against terrorism on a global scale. With strategic partnerships already in place, RTID will allow information to move quickly between vested interest parties in an electronic and secure environment. (NPS)

The operational support programs of Technical Operations have contributed to the research, development and deployment of technical tools and expertise to enable frontline investigators to conduct effective investigations against terrorist targets in the areas of explosives disposal and technology, physical surveillance, electronic surveillance and technological crime. For example, Technical Operations provides investigators with electronic surveillance equipment such as covert alarm and aerial surveillance systems, for monitoring of the Canada–US border and to assist with related investigations. (NPS)

Programs/Projects/Initiatives of Special Interest

Criminal Intelligence – We have undertaken a series of initiatives to more actively engage all frontline police officers in the intelligence collection process. This will enhance our intelligence products by ensuring that all available, relevant information is available for our use, which ensures the RCMP continues to be an intelligence-led organization. (CID)

Reprofiling of PSAT Funding – In early 2005, as part of the ongoing review of the overall PSAT initiative, it was determined that serious resourcing pressures were being experienced by several PSAT initiatives. As the IIETs had fulfilled a major component of their mandate – namely, the vetting of all CIC immigration warrants for any national security concerns – it was determined that these resources could be better utilized by redeploying them to other PSAT initiatives. As of April 1, 2005, IIET resources were redeployed to other PSAT initiatives to address the noted pressures. (FPS)

Integrated Immigration Enforcement Teams (IIETs) – As of September 2004, the Integrated Immigration Enforcement Teams (IIETs) were able to successfully review all outstanding 53,000 Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) immigration warrants for any national security concerns. This review was completed well in advance of the projected five-year timeline (ending in 2007). (FPS)

Marine & Ports – In 2004, the RCMP initiated a National Marine Security Threat Risk Assessment focused directly on Marine Security. This assessment provided a framework in identifying areas of priority (gaps) and recommendations/options to address these gaps. One of these recommendations is that more ports require immediate enforcement support as illegal activities are moving away from the better-monitored major ports to secondary ports. These findings, along with increased focus on the security of the Great Lakes, have prioritized the establishment of additional National Port Enforcement Teams (NPETs) in the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Seaway area and a Marine Security Operations Centre. NPETs are fully integrated and intelligence-led with a goal of significantly disrupting and/or eliminating the capacity of organized crime groups to utilize Canada’s seaports as a conduit for the entry of cargo and/or persons that could pose a threat to Canada’s national security. (FPS)

The 8th International Symposium on the Analysis and Detection of Explosives (ISADE) – Organized by Forensic Laboratory Services, the symposium was held in Ottawa from June 6 to 10, 2004. The symposium fostered the sharing of information and knowledge regarding the analysis and detection of explosives, and promoted an interconnectedness and standardization among organizations providing scientific and technical support to international law enforcement. (NPS)

Targeting counterfeit travel documents – Targeting counterfeit travel documents is an important component in the fight against terrorism. In 2004/2005 the RCMP contributed to the reduction of counterfeit travel documents by:

• Examining Canadian passports, Permanent Resident Cards, Citizenship Certificates, SIN Cards, drivers’ licenses and health cards, as well as travel documents from all over the world, to determine if they are genuine or counterfeit
• Providing training in counterfeit travel documents to officers posted in Canadian missions/embassies. These officers are an important link in the frontline against the threat of potential terrorists
• Meeting with officials from Consular Sections of 35 different embassies located in Canada to bring together various experts with an interest in passports and travel documents. Discussions focused on current trends and developments in passport fraud, biometrics and new passport designs
• Holding international discussions and meetings with regard to supporting Interpol’s database for lost and stolen passports, standards for photos in passports issued to children younger than 16 years of age, and a combination of two biometric features recommended for addition to chips in passports (NPS)

CBRN Research & Technology Initiative (CRTI) – FLS oversees the forensic analysis of a variety of materials seized at a Chemical/Biological/Radiological/Nuclear (CBRN) crime scene. Through the federal government’s CBRN Research & Technology Initiative (CRTI) and the Public Security Technical Program (PSTP), FLS plays an integral role in providing forensic advice to other federal government departments and scientific support to the police community. Installation and validation of advanced analytical instrumentation purchased through CRTI has improved the identification of unknown materials, specifically white powders. (NPS)

Protection of International Protected Persons and Designated Sites – Protective Operations is joining other government agencies at various levels in planning of events on government sites. International and national threat assessment and analysis are used to influence public activities in and around government sites, thereby allowing the program to be better able to ensure the safety of the sites under RCMP protection. 

In 2004/2005 the RCMP provided protective services to:

• The Prime Minister and his family for 149 national and 38 international trips as well as 65 events in the National Capital Region
• Canadian dignitaries during 898 trips
• 671 embassies and consulates across Canada
• 497 domestic trips for foreign diplomats/dignitaries during their visits to Canada
• Nine major events including the visit of US President George W. Bush to Ottawa and Halifax, the 2004 Federal Elections and two First Ministers Meetings in Ottawa (PPS)

National Major Event Template – The Major Events Section has developed a working template to be used across the country in the planning and risk management of Major Event security operations, which defines the roles and responsibilities of key positions within the organizational structure. This template will standardize the planning process for major events within the RCMP and will maximize the effective and efficient use of resources. This standard, coordinated and comprehensive approach to planning will serve the RCMP in identifying and mitigating potential acts of violence and/or terrorism while ultimately carrying out its protective duties. (PPS)

Looking Forward

We have increased our target for disruptions of national level terrorist groups to twelve for 2005/2006 across the country. (CID)

We will continue to track and analyze the number of projects/investigations related to key terrorist targets that are successfully concluded, in order to identify trends and changes. (CID)

We will, once again, conduct a detailed client/partner survey in 2005/2006 to measure the success of our initiatives over the last 18 months, on issues identified in the original survey. (CID)

We will promote more effective, centrally coordinated National Security program management by ensuring that national security incidents are immediately reported to RCMP national HQ. We will also ensure the effective central coordination of National Security program investigations. (CID)

The measures selected for the Border Integrity were not captured due to technological developments. These hurdles will be overcome by the middle of the next fiscal year; we will be reporting the percentage of Border Integrity investigations initiated by intelligence profiles and the percentage of Border Integrity intelligence-led enforcement opportunities that have resulted in interdiction of persons and/or property. (FPS)

The Interdepartmental Marine Security Working Group (IMSWG) identified the following marine security gaps: Gap (5) – Emergency Response Teams (ERTs); Gap 6(a) – Mid-Shore Patrols; Gap 7(a) – National Waterside Coordination Program; Gap 10(a) – Enhancement and Creation of the National Ports Enforcement Teams (NPETs); and Gap 13(a) – Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Seaway Marine Security Operations Centre. (FPS) 

The Federal budget of February 2005 identified funding for the gaps identified above. There are currently marine security initiatives underway concerning: Waterside Security Coordination; Marine Security Operations Centres; Marine Security Enforcement Teams (Mid-Shore Patrols); Marine Intervention (ERT Armed Shipboarding) Teams; and enhancements to the National Port Enforcement Teams. (NPETs) (FPS)

The response to these gaps in our current marine security picture has been to build capacity in an integrated manner. The focus will continue to be on building upon the existing strengths and mandates of our partners, both governmental and private, thus providing the most operationally and fiscally effective team approach. (FPS)

RCMP, PSEPC and the US Coast Guard are part of a working group looking into the implementation of the new version of the Ship Rider concept. Ship Rider is aimed at enhancing overall binational enforcement on the Great Lakes – St-Lawrence Seaway. Under this concept, the US and Canadian officers would be co-locating on each other’s vessels, which would permit cross-border flexibility to gather intelligence and interdict vessels and people who may pose a risk to national security, while providing greater resources capacity. (FPS)

In keeping with the goal of safe homes and safe communities, the RCMP National Priorities of Terrorism and Youth, and the RCMP’s Bias-free Policing Program, the RCMP National Security Program is setting up a Community Outreach Program in the Integrated National Security Enforcement Teams (INSETs) and National Security Investigations Sections (NSIS), similar to the Community Advisory Committees at all RCMP detachments across Canada. This is an enhancement of existing National Security outreach work, as the RCMP has been working with Visible Minority communities pre- and post-9/11. To enhance this cooperation, the RCMP is now designing comprehensive community programs to engage diverse ethnic, cultural and religious communities across Canada to increase the understanding of mutual goals and concerns, elicit cooperation in making Canada secure from terrorist activity and to ensure appropriate and informed communications should a crisis arise. (FPS)