Saskatchewan RCMP Seeks to Fill Vacancies with Nationwide Recruitment Drive
The Saskatchewan RCMP is facing a significant staffing shortage at a time when violent crime is on the rise, creating a challenging situation for the province’s police force. To address this issue, the RCMP has launched a nationwide recruitment effort, calling on officers from across Canada to volunteer for temporary or permanent postings in Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore, the commanding officer of the Saskatchewan RCMP, highlighted the dual challenge of increasing vacancies and escalating crime rates. “We’re seeing a rise in complex and violent crimes, particularly those targeting individuals. These cases demand extensive investigative resources, which makes the staffing shortages even more concerning,” she explained.
Blackmore described the situation as a “double hit,” with the combination of vacant positions and heavier workloads putting additional strain on the force. To alleviate the pressure, the RCMP has issued an internal memo seeking volunteers from other provinces to assist in Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
The response so far has been promising, with officers from across the country expressing interest in temporary relief postings. Blackmore also noted that there are opportunities for permanent transfers to Saskatchewan, which could provide a longer-term solution to the staffing crisis.
Depending on the success of the spring recruitment drive, the RCMP may consider extending the relief period if vacancies persist. Blackmore emphasized that the current staffing challenges are unprecedented in recent memory. Historically, the RCMP assigned new cadets to regions with the greatest need, but a policy change two years ago has shifted this approach.
“Cadets now have more say in where they are posted, which has led to a redistribution of resources,” Blackmore said. “While this change has increased overall applications and benefited some provinces, Saskatchewan and Manitoba haven’t seen the same advantages.”
Despite the launch of the Saskatchewan Marshals Service this summer—a new provincial police force recruiting experienced officers—Blackmore does not believe it has contributed to the RCMP’s staffing issues. She also assured that out-of-province officers volunteering in Saskatchewan will be compensated for their travel expenses.
As the RCMP works to address these challenges, the coming months will be critical in determining whether the recruitment drive can effectively fill the gaps and ensure public safety in the region.