RCMP training ‘gaps’ found

Fraser said the RCMP is using deficient training methods that could put public safety at risk in the eight provinces — all but Ontario and Quebec — where 11,000 Mounties provide primary police services under contract from the federal government. The RCMP often doesn’t provide sufficient training for new officers working under contract, and the force routinely draws officers away from drug and fraud investigations when it runs short of patrol staff, the report said. “We found that gaps in training may be preventing the RCMP from meeting its clients’ expectations of fully trained peace officers. (The RCMP) may also be leaving itself open to the risk of litigation.”

Auditors also raised concerns about the safety of the officers themselves, saying “peace officers may be exposed to dangerous situations without available back-up. . . . While corrective actions were to be taken in 2002, the RCMP is only now developing a draft policy.” The audit found that 16 per cent of new graduates didn’t receive a full six months of mandatory field coaching, and that one in five coaches hadn’t completed the required courses. The report established that in 2004, only 6 per cent of RCMP officers had re-certified in six mandatory training areas — few veteran members are currently certified in areas like firearms training, first aid and the use of pepper spray — down from 57 per cent the previous year.