Document Record

Creator

Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Title

Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Office of the Commissioner : General orders

Identifier

lac_mikan_158591
164586
RG 18 B 4
R196-63-9-E
R196-63-9-F
Government
oocihm.lac_mikan_158591

Document source

Library and Archives Canada / Bibliothèque et Archives Canada

Language

English

Description

The North-West Mounted Police (NWMP) was a parliamentary police force created in 1873. It was meant to keep law and order among incoming settlers to the region west of Ontario, help Aboriginals make the transition to Indian reserves, and act as a symbol of Canadian sovereignty against American annexation. The police force was partially created in response to Fenian invaders who nearly made it to Manitoba in 1871.
The force added "Royal" to its name in 1904. It was merged with the Dominion Police, the main police force for all points east of Manitoba, in 1920 and was renamed as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The new organization was charged with federal law enforcement in all the provinces and territories, and immediately set about establishing its modern role as protector of Canadian national security, as well as assuming responsibility for national counterintelligence.
During the period between 1882 to 1920, a Commissioner directed operations of the force from a regional headquarters in the west and reported in detail on all aspects of its operations to the Comptroller. An Act to amend the Royal Northwest Mounted Police Act was passed and assented to in November 1919. This Act provided for the appointment of a Commissioner of Police. In 1923, all statutory or other powers previously vested in the Commissioner of the Dominion Police were transferred to the Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The Commissioner was designated a deputy head under the provisions of the Public Service Employment Act.
The Comptroller, during the period from 1874 to 1920, was the person responsible to the Minister for the police force’s administration. This meant that the Commissioner, who was located in the west until 1920, was responsible for submitting to the Comptroller detailed reports on all functions and affairs of the force as well as requests for increases or changes in the establishment for ministerial consideration.
This collection consists of the General Orders of the NWMP which were usually issued by either the Comptroller or the Commissioner and occasionally by other senior commanding officers, on the authority of the Comptroller. The main subjects include the taking on or striking off strength of men or horses, changes in the rules and regulations, transfers and detachment directives.

URL

https://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oocihm.lac_mikan_158591