Evaluation of RCMP Communications

Context

National Communications and Public Affairs (NCPA) is a corporate function that provides national oversight and guidance to Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) communications to ensure consistency of messaging and approach across the organization, drive the public narrative, enhance brand reputation, and ensure alignment with government-wide and organizational standards and priorities. This function is augmented by divisional and regional communications teams that report directly to their Commanding Officers and Regional Commanders, respectively.

Objective and scope

The evaluation was national in scope, with the objective of examining the effectiveness and efficiency of the structure of NCPA as well as its capability to support RCMP internal communications needs.

The evaluation focused on three questions:

1. Is NCPA structured in a manner to enable effective communications support for organizational priorities currently and in the future, in alignment with the Government of Canada Communications Policy?
2. Are communications services being delivered in an efficient and coordinated manner?
3. Is NCPA delivering internal communications services effectively and in a clear and timely manner that is responsive to the diverse information needs of the organization?

Methodology

Interviews

28 interviews were conducted over video conference.

Document review

Over 50 internal documents within the RCMP were reviewed.

Surveys

Two surveys were developed and disseminated, one to communications employees and one to all RCMP employees.

Data analysis

Available RCMP performance and financial data were collected and analyzed.

Literature review

Open-source literature on best practices in internal communication methods, tools, and messaging was examined.

Comparative analysis

Five interviews were conducted with representatives of comparable departments and law enforcement agencies.

Key findings

1. The current decentralized structure of RCMP communications has resulted in gaps in accountabilities and unclear mandates and authorities
2. While there is a general sense that NCPA has sufficient capacity and its employees are adequately supported, there are areas for improvement
3. There is a need for greater strategic direction and coordination of communications services and products within the RCMP
4. There are opportunities for NCPA to streamline activities and improve efficiencies
5. There is an opportunity to improve the effectiveness of internal communications by re-assessing how organizational messages are delivered and aligning their content with the intended audience

Recommendations

1. Review and clarify authorities, delegation, and approval processes of NCPA and the Head of Communications in the RCMP Communications structure
2. Develop a national strategic plan for internal communications
3. Review capacity levels across communications groups in the RCMP to ensure appropriate allocation of resources
4. Modernize and streamline internal communications methods