Collect and analyze race-based data

The RCMP will collect disaggregated race-based data on police interactions with racialized and Indigenous peoples. We have already begun to lay the groundwork required to start the collection process. This includes undertaking research and engaging key stakeholders, experts and employees. We will also work with the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and Statistics Canada to improve the collection and public reporting of statistics on racialized groups and Indigenous Peoples in police reported crime statistics on victims and accused persons.

Why it matters

All members of the public should expect to be treated with dignity and respect when they are interacting with RCMP members.

Systemic racism in policing and the broader justice system has been the subject of increased public dialogue since the summer of 2020. The Government of Canada and the RCMP have committed to a strong response, and $78M over 5 years and $13.5M in ongoing funding was announced in Budget 2021 to address systemic racism and discrimination in the RCMP.


Aug 2023

Update

The Anti-Racism Unit (ARU) is leading the implementation of the Race-Based Data Collection (RBDC) initiative and is also developing an Anti-Racism Strategy in the RCMP.

Starting with a smaller scale version of the initiative, the Anti-Racism Unit will first pilot the Race-Based Data Collection initiative in select pilot sites to help test and refine the framework before it is implemented nationally.

The Anti-Racism Unit visited several detachments across the country and met with RCMP members, community organizations and other key stakeholders. Potential Race-Based Data Collection pilot sites were assessed for suitability based on several factors including: community insight on known tension/issues with police, detachment and division readiness, community support for Race-Based Data Collection, and existing provincial and municipal anti-racism initiatives that would support the RCMP's Race-Based Data Collection Initiative.

The following detachments have been selected as Race-Based Data Collection pilot sites:

  • Burnaby, British Columbia (E Division)
  • Fort McMurray/Wood Buffalo, Alberta (K Division)
  • Whitehorse, Yukon (M Division)
  • Thompson, Manitoba (D Division)
  • Halifax, Nova Scotia (H Division)

Work on the Race-Based Data Collection pilot is underway, with data collection expected to begin in early 2024. The Anti-Racism Unit is applying the best practices outlined in the Ontario Anti-Racism Data Standards and continues to strengthen and build relationships across and outside the organization to move forward. For instance, the RCMP is developing an internal Change Champion Network to support initiatives to address systemic racism across the RCMP and is participating in working groups with Statistics Canada, Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police to collaborate on a coordinated approach and guidelines for Race-Based Data Collection in policing.

May 2022

Update

The RCMP is on track to put in place a race-based data collection system that will generate reliable data. The data will be used to identify trends that point to disproportionate or disparate outcomes for racialized individuals and to examine ways to mitigate negative impacts.

This is a long-term, resource-intensive project that requires:

  • deep subject matter expertise
  • a whole-of-RCMP approach
  • collaboration with jurisdictional partners and key stakeholders
  • coordination of internal IM/IT and analytical functions

The RCMP has engaged with Toronto Police Service and Peel Regional Police to exchange best practices to advance race-based data collection.

Efforts are ongoing to educate RCMP employees on systemic racism. The requirements and supports for successful implementation are under continual assessment.

Jan 2022

Update

We have hired a dedicated team that will be responsible for planning and implementing the rollout. This includes developing procedures for front-line members, training materials and reporting tools, as well as engagement with municipal and provincial partners, and community representatives.

As of September 2021, Statistics Canada circulated the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Engagement Survey among law enforcement partners in Canada. The survey gauges concerns with the collection of race-based data and identifies any gaps within their current data collection practices and systems that would need to be addressed in order to support its collection.

The RCMP will integrate the results from Statistics Canada's community consultations and the UCR Engagement Survey to inform its current race-based data collection practices and policy framework, in mid 2022.


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