Canadian Police Peacekeeping and Peace Operations Program
When people think of peacekeepers, they almost always think of the military. But many are not aware that Canada also deploys police officers around the world.
Canada deploys personnel to peace and stabilization missions through the Canadian Police Arrangement (CPA). That is a partnership between the RCMP, Public Safety Canada and Global Affairs Canada. The goal of the CPA is to support the Government of Canada’s commitment to building a more secure world.
What it's All About
Since 1989, more than 4,000 Canadian police officers have participated in over 60 peacekeeping operations abroad. They have established an excellent reputation through their expertise, leadership, professionalism and dedication.
Canadian police officers work closely with host nations and international partners. They help rebuild and strengthen police services and related public institutions in nations experiencing conflict or instability.
These police officers come not only from the RCMP, but from partner police agencies across the country. In fact, approximately 60% of deployed police officers are from partner agencies. There are currently 33 partners from provincial, regional, municipal and Indigenous police agencies across Canada.
Having professional, well-trained and well-equipped police services is key to:
- making people and communities feel more secure;
- building trust in government;
- fostering stability; and
- enhancing the rule of law in fragile and conflict-affected states.
Domestic Benefits
Serving in a mission can be the experience of a lifetime. It’s an exciting opportunity to work abroad in support of peace and security. Police officers can make a tangible difference for people who live in conflict-affected nations. It can also be a time of great personal and professional growth.
Participating in a mission serves as accelerated training. The experience gained during a one-year deployment is equal to approximately two to three years of working at the home agency. Responsibilities are generally at a higher level than at home.
And it’s not just the individual who benefits from this growth. Police agencies have a unique opportunity to represent Canada on the international stage. They provide developmental opportunities to their members. The communities they serve get back police officers with a more global perspective. They have an improved ability to engage with people from different cultures.
Women in Peace Operations
Deployed Canadian police officers play a critical role in implementing Canada’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security. They contribute to the development of professional and effective law enforcement institutions, which are responsible for supporting the safety of local populations. These institutions are entrusted to protect the rights of women, girls, and marginalised communities, and protect civilians from violence, including sexual violence.
Increasing the meaningful participation of women in peacekeeping operations is not only the right thing to do, but its is also the smart thing to do.
The CPA partners recognize the importance of ensuring women work in all capacities within peacekeeping operations. This includes in senior and leadership positions. The CPA actively looks to deploy Canadian women police officers to senior roles within missions.
The CPA also seeks opportunities to train women police officers in foreign countries to take part in peace and stabilization missions.
Most recently, Canada renewed its participation in Pre-Selection Assistance and Assessment Team (Pre-SAAT) training. This training for Francophone women police officers helps them succeed in deploying to UN missions. The UN’s SAAT program travels to police-contributing countries to test applicants for UN missions. As part of its effort to increase the meaningful participation of women in missions, the UN launched all-women Pre-SAATs.
At the End of the Day
The Canadian policing community understands that a safer world means a safer Canada. Unstable societies offer opportunities for crime to flourish. By helping host-nation police to fight crime in their communities, our police officers help reduce the spread of crime to our own communities.
Links
Canadian police in peacekeeping missions: domestic benefits www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqmY5Tc5Lbk
RCMP Peace Operations: www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/peace-operations
Women Peace and Security: www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/issues_development-enjeux_developpement/gender_equality-egalite_des_genres/women_peace_security-femmes_paix_securite.aspx ?lang=eng