RCMP Internal Challenge

While the RCMP has successfully confronted many controversial challenges throughout its history, most of the issues have been localized. This time, the problems facing the RCMP cannot be overcome with a few transfers or some form of remedial training. There are so many engrained attitudes affecting performance that any attempt to treat the problem with a band-aid approach will not resolve very much. It could take a generation to alter current patterns of behaviour and address the ever-increasing feelings of entitlement that some members may have.

From my perspective, the RCMP needs to not only address the current issues but also place more emphasis on the personality traits of recruits being hired. Managers at all levels should be given more authority in dealing with problem members. Although some Canadians may be shaking their heads in wonder over all the recent allegations of harassment, they should remember that the majority of RCMP members are dedicated and hard-working. We need to resist the temptation to tarnish an entire organization by the blunders of a few knuckle-draggers. db