The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (or Mounties, as they are sometimes nicknamed) interest me. In 1873, they were founded. Their bright red coat sets them apart from any other police force. They were instructed to make peace with Indians instead of fighting or starting wars. Often, they helped deliver babies, acted as a doctor, distributed medicine, engaged in daily conversation with the natives, and had a big overall part in their community. Their posts often rotated, and a Mountie would never know how long he would be in one particular spot.

King Edward VII allowed them to be named the Royal North West Mounted Police in the year of 1904. Sixteen years later, they switched names again, this time to Royal Canadian Mounted Police. And after that, the dress uniform was the traditional red coat. They opted for a more practical brown coat for everyday work that was easier to keep clean.

How do you write about the Mounties in a way that captures their essence and huge daily jobs?

I don't know much at all about the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, but they sound like they have very interesting lives, Elly. Definitely something worth writing about!

I don't know if resources like this exist, but a first-hand diary or something would be a great way to get into the head of someone. That's the method that I'm finding most helpful in research for TWM. Primary sources are always really helpful

A quick google search found this:
El linko
P'raps your library has it or something? Good luck

Herman

I do know they're one of the most distinguished law enforcement agencies in the world, and they had to do a lot during the Yukon Gold Rush.

I need to read more about these guys. Most of my knowledge is based off of Dudly Do-right which isn't very accurate.

All I really know about them, is what I read about them in a book. *tries to remember the name of the book * And how accurate that info was... I really can't tell you.

They're younger than the Texas Rangers, and according to some quick research, they're similar to the FBI.

I'm working on a monster post for you poor confused people that haven't grown up with them. Feel free to poke me...

That sounds awesome, Rosa!

Sounds awesome. I shall be waiting not-so-patiently.

Yes, thank you!

I shall work on one for the Texas Rangers.

I like being Canadian:) The RCMP are awesome! Do you guys want a link to the modern RCMP website?

Nowadays, the RCMP are not similar to the FBI. The Canadian equivalent to the FBI is CSIS, I believe. The RCMP are our government-run police force. They are the police in much of Canada, though some cities/municipalities have chosen to run their own police force. Unfortunately, except for "RCMP" on their badges, and the silhouette of a policeman in dress uniform on his horse on the squad cars, there is little trace remaining of how they used to look. Only on Parliament Hill do the RCMP actually go about their duties in the red and black wool uniform and Stetson and on a black horse.

Elly has her dates right. The RCMP (known then as the NWMP) was founded in 1973, largely in response to trouble-causing whiskey traders. The NWMP contained the whiskey trade, as well as "enforcing agreements" with the First Nations. (Read: taking advantage of them) They were also used in putting down the Metis (a people group that is half First Nations, half French) North-West Rebellion in 1885.

They were responsible for customs type duties during the Yukon gold rush, such as making sure the miners had enough food so that there wasn't a famine. They were also active in crushing the post-WWI and Great Depression strikes. Some of their duties around that time also included intelligence, drugs enforcement, and immigration.

Very interesting *ceases poking*

So they don't actually ride around mounted anymore? Rats.

No, unfortunately they don't. They just have normal squad cars. Unless you're at Parliament Hill, like I said, or you go see the Musical Ride.

That'd be cool to see

I think they usually go in classic uniform on horses in parades. Here's the link, http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/index-eng.htm (That's to the English version of the site.)

What about out in the middle of nowhere? Do they still ride horses/patrol out there?

I apologize. I have a (actually very informative, good book) book on them, but it's old and not at all up to date.

*rolls her eyes, groans and goes to dig it out* Sorry. thought it might help if I knew which book exactly I was talking about.

Now, I do not live in Canada, and so know little about the truth. But from what I cross checked, they did a good job with the book. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4916616-the-royal-canadian-mounted-police A children's book, but very interesting and informative.

Perhaps not comprehensive though...

Hahaha, my professor is a huge fan of all these old "hokey" TV shows (no offense!) and we heard a LOT of Dudley Do-Right last semester.

About all I know of the RCMP is from that book, and I think it's a great book. However, as noted, it covers the beginning history of the RCMP, which is not at all related to the present day.

One interesting thing is that the RCMP did a lot of work for the U.S. during the Alaskan gold rush. They actually crossed over the border into Alaska chasing thieves, murderers etc. and keeping the peace well into Alaska simply because it was affecting Canada. I don't remember where I read that. Don't quote me!

This story seems interesting, thank you for your share