Strategic Priority: Terrorism

Threats to our national security are continually changing, presenting an “intelligence challenge” to governments and law enforcement around the world. Potential terrorists may not have yet engaged in criminal activity and are therefore difficult to recognize and impede. Terrorist organizations – foreign, domestic or “home-grown” – are increasingly sophisticated, with members linked through technology and loosely linked groups or cells, allowing them to operate in an environment where borders are virtual and detection is difficult. This global operations base for terrorist groups emphasizes the importance of an integrated policing approach where intelligence is shared among countries around the world.

Plans and Priorities

The RCMP is committed to working in partnership with both domestic and foreign agencies to enhance prevention measures against the threat of terrorism in North America and elsewhere.

The RCMP Terrorism strategy focuses on “Reducing the threat of criminal terrorist activity in Canada and abroad.”

Using an intelligence-led, integrated approach, we focus our activities on achieving this goal. Our participation in Canada-US and interdepartmental national security committees and working groups aimed at enhancing transport security, border integrity, intelligence and information sharing and Chemical Biological Radioactive and Nuclear (CBRN) preventive measures are examples of this approach.

The RCMP will:

• ensure border integrity and work with partners to create “smart borders” that will prevent the entry of those who create a terrorist threat
• detect, prevent/disrupt and investigate terrorist activity
• expand collection and sharing of information and criminal intelligence
• deliver timely and relevant criminal intelligence
• build new and strengthen existing partnerships
• contribute valued public policy advice
• allocate resources strategically
• ensure sound and rigorous stewardship of RCMP resources
• enhance centrally coordinated National Security Program management
• communicate effectively
• recruit, develop, and retain the right people
• optimize enabling science and technology

See also:

• Criminal Intelligence Program
• Emergency Response Team
• Integrated Border Enforcement Teams (IBETs)
• Technical Operations

Other Strategic Priorities: Aboriginal Communities | Economic Integrity | Organized Crime | Youth