Newfoundland and Labrador RCMP Members have been proudly keeping local communities safe
since 1949.
Highly Trained Local RCMP Members
With over 450 dedicated Members spread across 44 detachments, Members ensure public safety throughout the island and Labrador. Whether it’s handling major criminal investigations, providing general duty policing, or addressing national security concerns, they deliver top-tier policing services.
Explore NL RCMP Specialized Services
Newfoundland and Labrador’s communities benefit from access to over 150 highly trained and specialized services within the RCMP including:
- Major Crime Units
Investigating serious offenses like homicides and high profile cases.
- Emergency Response Teams (ERT)
Highly trained units deployed for high-risk situations.
- Police Dog Services
Assisting in narcotics, firearms, and explosives detection, as well as search and rescue operations.
- Forensic Identification Services (FIS)
Offering investigative support and scientific analysis of evidence.
Stay informed about public safety enforcement in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Province Must Act
1
Addressing Staffing Shortfalls
The demand for policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador is on the rise. In 2021 alone, RCMP Members responded to 63,823 calls for service, marking a significant 13% increase since 2015. While there have been some investments in policing, they haven’t matched the growing demands.
To meet current and future needs, a 6% increase in RCMP officers is necessary. This required a $5.8 million investment over three years to hire 29 officers.
2
Functional Emergency Air Support Service
The current Atlantic Region Air Services (ARAS) in Moncton operates with only two aircraft for all four Atlantic provinces, and only one is equipped for night operations. Recommendations from the Mass Casualty Commissions report stress the need for 24/7 operational capacity in the region. A coordinated effort among the four Atlantic provinces and the Government of Canada is essential to develop and implement an Emergency Air Services Strategy. This strategy would benefit police, fire, and search and rescue services.
3
Improving Mental Health Services
RCMP officers increasingly fill gaps in mental health and social services due to funding shortages. The number of Mental Health Act calls and well-being checks has more than doubled from 2,464 occurrences in 2016 to 4,661 in 2021. This shift consumes officers’ time, diverting them from core policing activities.
Crisis Response Teams, pairing mental health professionals with police officers, have proven successful in other provinces and should be expanded by the provincial government to alleviate pressures on both vulnerable citizens and the police force.