RCMP Museum ~ Musée de la GRC

The Information Age

The Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC), a computerized access system for all types of criminal information, went into operation in 1972. Technology has developed such that on-board computers now give the RCMP patrol vehicles instant information, a far cry from 1873. In September 1974, the first female recruits became members of the RCMP, and recruiting strategies today are committed to reflecting the Canadian multicultural mosaic. Diplomatic security became an increasing concern, as terrorists at home and abroad demonstrated their political views through murder and destruction. White-collar criminals, computer criminals, money laundering and multijurisdictional policing became issues that affected all police officers, and the RCMP responded with effective programs. With all of the technological gadgetry and high-tech sophistication involved in police work, the RCMP began to stress a return to a simpler approach. The personal contact that the Force had established with early settlers had established a mutual trust and cooperation. This contact, and philosophy stressing community policing, was re-emphasized in the RCMP of the 1990s. Today's RCMP is faced with a challenge to do more with less, so that cooperation and teamwork are extremely important.

The future of the RCMP will be one of change, but that has always been the case. The Force remains proud of its unique place in Canadian history, and is proud of its accomplishments as it looks forward to serving Canadians in the coming century.