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.
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.
- Date modified: