Relaxing the recruiting standards for the world's number one police force is dangerous.The RCMP, which is on a hiring blitz, will now turn a blind eye to some indiscretions by its applicants, including some drug activities The force, which is in the midst of its largest ever recruiting drive, needs to hire close to 2,000 members over the next two years.
At the same time, an internal memo reveals the RCMP has changed its policy on drug use to permit consideration of mitigating factors in all cases of criminal activity, which may include drug trafficking, etc. The revised rules say that for all serious crimes, or for any criminal offences or activity in an applicant's history in the last three years, the regional recruiting officers must provide written rationale detailing the mitigating factors considered.
Our applicants that have had some minor indiscretions in the past and that disclose those to us, that's an indication of their honesty, said RCMP Insp. Peter Kirchberger of the Mounties' national recruiting program.
And if it's not a significant criminal event in the past, then we can apply mitigating circumstances and allow that applicant to continue in the process.
That means admitting to growing a marijuana plant or perhaps slipping a joint to a college roommate no longer means an automatic rejection from joining the force.
As a former RCMP officer, Senator Larry Campbell said he has no problem cutting applicants slack for youthful indiscretion, but added the policy is poorly written and open to interpretation.
There should be some explanation in there about what mitigating circumstances would be and under what conditions, Campbell, who also served as the chief coroner of B.C., said in an interview.
The RCMP insists professional drug traffickers would never make it through the process and that anyone who has a major criminal conviction need not apply.
When standards are lowered, a less than professional trainee is accepted. We are all aware of the lowering of Standards in the 80's when the creation of Special constables was instituted. I agree with Senator Campbell that the decision must be airtight, and not simply an increase in numbers.
We have RCMP officers serving in Afghanistan, Haiti and various other countries. These men and women desrve strong partners in the future not some drug taker.
A bit of History with regard to the RCMP>
The Canadian Provost Corps 1939 - 1946
No. 1 Provost Company (RCMP)
Uniforms of Officers And Warrant Officers Class 1 The original RCMP volunteers for No.1 Provost Company were commanded by Superintendent H.R. Day, the Company included two other commissioned officers. Eventually 58 RCMP members of No.1 Provost Company were granted King's Commissions as officers in the Canadian Army. Many went on to command Provost Companies or were appointed as Assistant or Deputy Provost Marshals in higher formations. One officer, Superintendent L.H. Nicholson, who transferred from the RCMP to the Canadian Army in 1941, finished the war as a Colonel and Provost Marshal of the Canadian Army. Upon commissioning, new officers were provided with Battledress and field equipment, and were expected to purchase Service Dress with all of the attendant accessories. The RCMP cap badge was worn on the Field Service and Service Dress caps and the khaki beret. Officer's cap badges were usually in gilt brass or bronze. A wire embroidered version of the officer's cap badge exists, but was evidently rarely worn by officers in No. 1 Provost Company. A red or dark blue cloth backing was often worn behind both the officer's and other rank's cap badges.
Cloth printed or embroidered shoulder titles were worn on the battledress by all ranks. When wearing Service Dress, Officers wore metal CANADA shoulder titles and metal RCMP collar badges. Service Dress buttons were either those of the RCMP or Canadian Army General List.
Service Dress
A Fine Regiment with an Outstanding record of achievment. Let us not water it down.
Support our troops Red Rally Friday 03 April Charlottetown DVA Atrium. Also Red Run on Saturday call Charlene for further info. 902-829-8999 Military Families Centre PEI
Nil Sine Labore
Robby
