That's a brilliant idea. Why didn't we think of that sooner?
When we started to put together our issue on innovation, those two statements became our guide to choosing stories. Naturally, some of our content features new and emerging technology, but most stories go beyond science and tech to explore how RCMP employees are coming up with smart solutions to improve their work.
In our cover section, Patricia Vasylchuk highlights a new approach to fighting money laundering. In a takedown worthy of Hollywood, RCMP in Quebec cracked down on the people providing the laundering services to organized crime groups. As the story explains, one way to stop criminals from spending their dirty money is to hit those hired to clean it — while the cash is in their hands.
Paul Northcott writes about a program in Surrey, B.C., that uses the power of volunteers to help identify stolen vehicles. These extra sets of eyes and ears support officers by examining thousands of licence plates each month. Their efforts last year alone led to dozens of recovered vehicles and multiple arrests.
Investigations can be stressful, both for the victims involved and the officers working the cases.
In Red Deer, Alta., the RCMP's Victim Services Unit has taken the lead from the medical community by using an interactive robot to help young victims of crime. The robot is programmed to connect with children, tell them what to expect in court and offer age-appropriate strategies to help them relax.
For employees in the RCMP National Child Exploitation Crime Centre, regularly reviewing images and videos that portray the sexual abuse of children can take its toll. But new software that performs some of these tasks coupled with mental-health supports help employees cope.
RCMP Sgt. Marie-Josée McCool took it upon herself to create a method for officers and employees to keep calm and alert in stressful situations. The resilience program she developed helps people regulate their bodies and minds using rhythmic breathing, a pulse sensor and an app.
Communication is a key aspect of police operations, especially when serious incidents are unfolding.
A new secure mobile application, known as the Android Team Awareness Kit, is being developed to give officers on the ground and at command centres a real-time view of operations. The technology will show officers' locations on multiple devices, even when they're not with their cars, and provide critical situational awareness.
There's no shortage of smart, resourceful police work going on. We look forward to sharing the next brilliant idea with you in our pages and online.
Changes to print magazine
Based on the results of the Gazette readership survey this past spring, we'll be making some changes to how we distribute the print magazine to employees.
While we are moving toward more online stories and digital products and away from printing, our RCMP readers have told us the print magazine still matters to them.
Starting July 1, 2019, we will reduce the number of print copies we send to most RCMP detachments and office buildings. Each location can request additional copies if needed by sending us an email.
We will discontinue the free copies we send to national libraries.
Starting in 2020, we will also be printing magazines less frequently. But that doesn't mean there will be fewer stories.
We're proud to continue providing all our award-winning content on our website as well as online exclusives not available in print.
Readers and libraries can access PDF copies of current and past issues of Gazette magazine at Government of Canada Publications. Simply click on the year to view the issues published.