Royal Canadian Mounted Police Locations
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) got its name from the merging of two police forces, the Royal Northwest Mounted Police (RNWMP) and the Dominion Police. Here’s a brief history of how the RCMP name came to be:
- Royal Northwest Mounted Police (RNWMP):
- The RNWMP was established in 1873 to maintain law and order in the western territories of Canada.
- It became known for its iconic red serge uniforms and Stetson hats.
- In 1904, King Edward VII granted the NWMP the prefix “Royal,” and it became the Royal Northwest Mounted Police (RNWMP).
- Formation of the RCMP:
- In 1873, the RNWMP merged with the Dominion Police, a federal police force established in 1868, to form the North-West Mounted Police (NWMP).
- In 1904, the RNWMP regained the “Royal” designation and continued to serve as a federal law enforcement agency.
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP):
- In 1920, the NWMP merged with the Dominion Police once again to form a unified federal police force.
- With this merger, the new organization adopted the name “Royal Canadian Mounted Police” (RCMP).
- The choice of the name “Mounted Police” reflects the historical roots of the force, which initially used horses for transportation in the rugged western territories.
The RCMP is a federal and national law enforcement agency in Canada, responsible for enforcing federal laws and statutes. The force is known for its iconic red serge uniforms, wide-brimmed Stetson hats, and its role in maintaining law and order across the country. The name “Royal Canadian Mounted Police” reflects the historical evolution of the organization and its significant contributions to policing in Canada.
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The RCMP’s Motto
The motto of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is “Maintiens le droit,” which is French for “Defend the Law” in English. This motto reflects the RCMP’s commitment to upholding and enforcing the law in Canada. The RCMP is known for its role in federal, provincial, and municipal law enforcement, as well as its iconic red serge uniforms and Stetson hats. The organization plays a significant role in maintaining peace and order across the country.
The motto “Maintiens le droit” has been associated with the Royal Northwest Mounted Police (RNWMP) and its successor, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), throughout their history. Here is a brief overview of the history of the RCMP motto:
- Formation of the RNWMP:
- The RNWMP was established in 1873 to bring law and order to the western territories of Canada.
- The force adopted the motto “Maintiens le droit” early in its existence.
- Transition to the RCMP:
- In 1873, the RNWMP merged with the Dominion Police to become the North-West Mounted Police (NWMP).
- In 1904, King Edward VII granted the NWMP the prefix “Royal,” and it became the Royal Northwest Mounted Police (RNWMP).
- In 1920, the RNWMP merged with the Dominion Police once again to form the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), maintaining the “Royal” designation.
- Continued Use of the Motto:
- With the formation of the RCMP, the motto “Maintiens le droit” continued to be associated with the force.
- The use of the French motto reflects the bilingual nature of the RCMP, a characteristic of Canada’s commitment to both English and French linguistic communities.
- Significance of the Motto:
- The motto encapsulates the commitment of the RCMP to uphold and defend the law in Canada.
- It symbolizes the dedication of the force to maintaining justice, order, and the rule of law throughout the country.
- Modern Usage:
- The motto is still used by the RCMP today, and it is often seen on the insignia, badges, and official documents associated with the force.
Throughout its history, the RCMP has evolved and adapted to changing circumstances, but the motto “Maintiens le droit” has remained a consistent expression of the organization’s mission and commitment to enforcing the law in Canada.