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RCMP launches Race-Based Data Collection pilot project

Jan. 9, 2024, Ottawa, Ont. – Addressing systemic racism and discrimination is an organizational priority for the RCMP. After two years of extensive consultations in communities across Canada, the RCMP’s Race-Based Data Collection (RBDC) Initiative will be piloted in select detachments across the country starting this month.

The RBDC Initiative aims to collect, analyze and report race-based data to better understand the experiences of Indigenous, Black and other racialized individuals and communities in their interactions with RCMP frontline officers.

The collection of race-based data to understand police interactions (such as wellness checks and arrests) and use of force will provide evidence-based information to help improve how the RCMP provides services to diverse communities. Specifically, this will:

• Identify differences in policing outcomes for Indigenous, Black and other racialized communities;
• Better understand the nature, extent and impact of systemic racial disparities in community safety;
• Enable data-driven decision-making and policy development;
• Build trust with communities;
• Improve community safety outcomes.

The RBDC pilot will begin in Whitehorse, Yukon (M Division); Wood Buffalo/Fort McMurray, Alta. (K Division); and Thompson, Man. (D Division), with two additional pilot sites – one in British Columbia (E Division), and one in Nova Scotia (H Division), to follow later this year.

“This initiative is an important milestone in becoming a more modern and inclusive policing organization. The initiative isn’t about singling out individuals. It’s about helping us identify and improve our policies, practices, and training to better support our employees. The evidence-based solutions it provides can empower us to better serve communities,” said Mike Duheme, RCMP Commissioner.

These sites were chosen based on several factors including public consultations held throughout 2022 and 2023. Piloting the RBDC Initiative will provide an opportunity for the RCMP to test processes and make improvements and adjustments before an anticipated future national rollout.