RCMP - Fact Sheets

Protective Policing Services

QUICK FACTS RCMP Protective Policing is responsible for: • Over 100 embassies and high commissions in the National Capital Region; • The protection of 125 Resident Foreign Diplomatic Missions; • Over 500 foreign Consulates across Canada; • The security of approximately 400 visits by foreign dignitaries and Internationally Protected Persons per year; • Responding to approximately 600 demonstrations a year on average; and • Providing specially trained police officers on board select Canadian registered aircraft.

Overview
Protective Policing business line is part of Federal Services provided by the RCMP. In the 1950s and 1960s, RCMP members were assigned to Canadian dignitaries and major visits for ceremonial presence as well as for security.

It is only in the 1970s that Protective Policing was established as an independent, identifiable function within the RCMP.

Protection is extended to Canadian and foreign dignitaries, persons designated by the Minister of Public Safety, major events held in Canada, and Canadian air carriers.

Canadian Dignitaries
The Governor General, Prime Minister, their families and residences are under the watchful eye of Protective Policing members.

When traveling abroad, the Prime Minister and Governor General are accompanied by Protective Policing members. These members maintain communication with local protective and law enforcement authorities, ensuring that appropriate levels of protection are provided.

Protective Policing is responsible for the safety of Supreme and Federal Court judges, as well as Federal Cabinet Ministers. Protective Policing also secure designated protected sites, including the grounds of Parliament Hill, Rideau Hall, and the Supreme Court of Canada.

Foreign Dignitaries
Internationally Protected Persons, such as Heads of State and government and foreign diplomats, are provided with protection while in Canada.

Major Events
Significant national or international events hosted by the Federal Government, including Royal Visits and international summits fall under the mandate of Protective Policing. Additionally, certain events can be designated to receive RCMP security, such as the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Air Travel
In 2001, as a result of an initiative put forward by Transport Canada, the RCMP entered into an agreement with Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) to provide specially-trained RCMP police officers on board select Canadian registered aircraft.

Protective Policing is responsible for the training and deployment of tactical Aircraft Protective Officers (APOs) for selected domestic and international flights. These APOs have a mandate to respond to security threats on board select Canadian registered aircraft.