Evaluation of the RCMP’s Musical Ride

Internal survey response rates

Limitations

• Participation was voluntary and may have been influenced by respondents’ shift and leave schedules
• Possible survey fatigue, as there were multiple RCMP surveys scheduled over the same period

Mitigation

• Reminder emails were sent to notify potential respondents of the survey administration period
• The survey was left open for as long as possible to ensure ample time for respondents

Limited data

Limitations

• There is limited data available related to program outcomes
• Program outcomes are not easily quantified

Mitigation

• Multiple data sources were used to validate findings, including perspectives of key stakeholders through interviews and a survey
• Open sources of information relevant to the Musical Ride and secondary survey data were considered

Observations

Limitations

• Observations of performances were limited due to the conduct phase coinciding with the off-season of the Musical Ride tour (October to April)

Mitigation

• The evaluation team participated in all possible observation opportunities during the planning and conduct phase of the evaluation
• More open-ended questions were added to interviews, and secondary surveys (that is, post-performance surveys) were used to validate information

Breeding Farm (Pakenham)

• The farm is tasked with breeding horses for the Musical Ride
  • Supervised by a farm manager and an assistant manager
  • 11 stable hands
  • Over 40 horses, including stallions, brood mares, weanlings, yearlings and two-year-olds

Musical Ride Class and Equitation Remount Training Section

• Each year, the Musical Ride gives two basic five-week equitation courses and a six-month intermediate equitation course to train new riders
• Equitation Remount Training Section trains horses for the Musical Ride as well as to draw sleighs and carriages for ceremonial duties

Stables

• There are 11 stable hands and workers that tend to the stables, the horses and the grounds. After hours, they are the sole caretakers for the horses and are responsible for feed and overall cleanliness of the stables
• There are two farriers to care for the horses. One accompanies the Musical Ride on tour
• One saddler is located at the stables for the making and repairing of leather goods for the Musical Ride

International and Ceremonial Special Travel and Heritage and Ceremonial Section

• International and Ceremonial Special Travel manages requests from government partners and private entities seeking participation of members in Red Serge for events domestically and abroad
• Heritage and Ceremonial Section manages and coordinates special events and projects, exhibits and presentations to the Canadian public, government partners and stakeholders (for example, Sunset Ceremonies and high profile domestic and international visits, including Royal visits)

Demand for Musical Ride performances remains consistent

• The Musical Ride receives requests from agricultural societies, fairs, rotary clubs, cities, provinces, states and foreign countries
• There are currently 119 open requests to host the Musical Ride from across Canada
• Of 109 post-performance surveys completed by host communities, almost half added additional comments stating they wanted the Musical Ride to return to their community
• Most sergeants major interviewed indicated there is a strong demand for the Musical Ride to visit communities in their division

From 2016 to 2022, the Musical Ride traveled to an average of 37 locations and conducted 72 performances per tour season. (Excluding 2020 and 2021 as tours were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.)

• In 2017, the Musical Ride completed a cross-country tour in celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary
• In 2021, private performances were held at the Musical Ride stables to honour and celebrate local first responders (that is, “COVID heroes”)
• In 2023, the Musical Ride is scheduled to perform in nine provinces in celebration of the RCMP’s 150th anniversary

The RCMP’s Musical Ride holds a unique position within the organization

An examination of documents reveals that mounted units, spanning 150 years of history, have encompassed three main roles in the RCMP, which can be classified into three eras:

1873 to 1938 – Operations

• Horses were critical to operations and the patrol system given the vast amount of territory to cover
• 1938 – Constable Doug Minor’s final patrol on Timmy ends 65 years of policing on horseback

1939 to 1966 – Recruit training

• Learning to ride horses was a key element of training until 1966
• 1960 – A Memorandum to Cabinet proposed the establishment of a permanent Musical Ride at N Division in Ottawa

1967 to present – Public relations

• Today, the Musical Ride remains an invaluable tool for the RCMP in terms of public relations, benefiting not only the organization itself, but Canada as a whole
• Half of commanding officers interviewed indicated there is nothing else in the RCMP that supports community engagement on a similar scale

The Musical Ride Branch goes beyond its performances during the summer touring season, serving various ceremonial and mounted functions and activities

Mounted programming

• Mounted police seminars
• Equine Theory (for example, Saddle Up Program)

Private and public events

• Regimental ride for the United Kingdom and Canadian Vice Chiefs of Defence
• Open House

Guest lectures and collaboration

• Government and RCMP conferences
• Collaborating with international partners

Ceremonial parades

• Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II
• Coronation of King Charles III
• Canada’s commemoration parade for Queen Elizabeth II

Stable tours

• Private tours:
  • United States Space Force Visit
  • Government security professionals
• Public tours
• School tours

VIP escorts

• Heads of state visits (for example, Iceland, Germany, U.S. and the Royal Family)

Other duties

• Media relations (for example, requests for interviews or footage)

The RCMP and the Government of Canada recognize the historical significance of the Musical Ride

• Internal and public records acknowledge the Musical Ride as a program that promotes the heritage and traditions of the RCMP, and Canada, domestically and internationally
• Numerous documents provide insights into the historical context of the Ride, linking it to horsemanship and police force traditions, including its connections to the Royal Family:
  • The prominent role Ride members played in the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and the coronation of King Charles III underscores the cultural significance of the Musical Ride, which is deeply ingrained in our nation’s identity and symbolism
  • The Musical Ride has gifted several horses to the Royal Family over the years, most recently presenting Noble to King Charles in May 2023

The Musical Ride has become an enduring symbol of Canada, both within the country and abroad, with a rich legacy and deeply ingrained traditions

• Heritage Canada recognizes the RCMP (red tunic and black horse) as an unofficial symbol of Canada. Other symbols that share this recognition include the great seal, maple leaf and the parliament buildings
• Special commemorative banners including images of the Musical Ride were installed on Confederation Boulevard in Ottawa, highlighting the RCMP’s 150th anniversary mileston
• Parks Canada has designated the Musical Ride as a “National Historic Event” under the Historic Sites and Monuments Act. The proposed inscription for the commemorative plaque concludes with the line: “This popular equestrian ceremonial unit is a distinctive symbol of Canada’s national and international identity.”
• There is a City of Ottawa proposal for a park to be named "Musical Ride Park" in commemoration of the RCMP’s 150th anniversary
• The Musical Ride is a significant contributor to Heritage Canada and its functions for state ceremonial protocols as a symbol of Canada

I can’t think of another organization that carries this level of national imagery. It’s irreplaceable and cannot be replicated.

Recognizing the colonial aspects of its history, the Musical Ride is working to advance reconciliation in alignment with Government of Canada and RCMP priorities

The Musical Ride is able to align with evolving priorities of both the Government of Canada and the RCMP, as and when necessary

• Some interviewees and observations indicated a key benefit of the Musical Ride lies in its inherent adaptability. This ensures the Musical Ride maintains a level of relevance beyond its historical and cultural value
• The Musical Ride is working to support Government of Canada and RCMP priorities related to official languages, Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
  • Musical Ride performances include a bilingual script read by an emcee and songs in both official languages, with adjustments made to include more French music in French speaking communities
  • Interviews, observation, and discussions with ride management found that Musical Ride members are generally representative of the RCMP’s diversity
    • Management indicated that this is more by chance than a result of planning, as the Musical Ride is reliant on who divisions release and does not have the luxury of selecting riders from a pool
    • No barriers related to GBA Plus or Equity, Diversity and Inclusion were identified within the Musical Ride
  • All commanding officers acknowledged the Musical Ride’s current diverse group of members and stressed the importance for:
    • building relationships with diverse communities
    • potential recruitment (that is, if young people in particular see someone who “looks like them” they may be more inclined to join the RCMP)
    • This is especially beneficial in communities with large immigrant populations to present the RCMP as a possible career path

The Musical Ride is a key contributor to enhancing relationships with domestic and international partners and supporting the priorities of other Government of Canada departments

• The Musical Ride supports Government of Canada commitments outlined in the Speech from the Throne, specifically: expanding diplomatic engagement with key allies and partners
• The Musical Ride offers programs that maintain partnerships with the Canadian Armed Forces and domestic and international law enforcement partners, including:
  • Saddle Up Soldier On (established 2013)
  • Mounted Police Seminars (established 1988)

Needless to say, the entire group left with an incredibly positive impression of Canada, and the work we are doing ‐ and the RCMP-hosted event was a key part of this engagement.

The Musical Ride plays an important role in the RCMP’s efforts to promote its image in Canada and abroad. It is seen as an iconic image of Canada and is the RCMP’s largest public relations vehicle

• Most commanding officers and all sergeants major believe the Musical Ride is effective at promoting the image of the RCMP, some examples given include:
  • The Musical Ride promotes an image of professionalism;
  • The Musical Ride is a symbol of the RCMP (and Canada) and promotes our history;
  • The Musical Ride is inherently positive, when often the RCMP is reflected in a negative light
• 81% of survey respondents agreed that, as Musical Ride members, they played an important role in promoting the image of the RCMP
• The Musical Ride conducted 382 performances for more than 1 million spectators, in over 150 communities in 12 Provinces and Territories, and raised over $4 million for local organizations and charities

From a strategic perspective the Musical Ride is integral to promotion of the RCMP and generates positive messaging and public response

• The Musical Ride has played a huge role in promoting the 150th anniversary of the RCMP
• The Musical Ride’s role in Queen Elizabeth’s funeral and King Charles’ coronation was witnessed by billions of people around the world
• The Musical Ride generates significant traffic and many “likes” on social media
• In 2020, the first ever Musical Ride Virtual Tour brought the Musical Ride to Canadians, despite the summer tour being cancelled. A post-campaign evaluation found that: “It sparked a great deal of interest and engagement, allowed people to connect with the Musical Ride and the RCMP, and provided a bright spot during difficult times.”
  • The campaign overall was seen approximately 1.2 million times on various social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
• Of 482 social media posts by the RCMP in May 2023, 38% were directly related to the Musical Ride
• The 181 posts related to the Musical Ride in May 2023 generated over 1.1 million views
• The annual “Name the Foal” contest has been led by the Musical Ride for over 25 years:
  • Winners are chosen from across Canada to ensure every division has an opportunity to be engaged and be positively impacted by the program
  • Between 2018 and 2022, there were 17,245 entries from children across Canada, resulting in a total of 54 winning names for RCMP horses

The Musical Ride plays an important role in building relationships between the RCMP and the communities it serves

• There exists a substantial collection of current and historical documents, including reviews and analyses, that highlight the significant role of the Musical Ride in supporting front-line policing through building relationships with communities across Canada, law enforcement agencies, federal authorities, and international partners. The Musical Ride holds a vital position as an ambassador for the RCMP and Canada
• All divisional commanding officers and sergeants major interviewed believe the Musical Ride is an effective tool for building relationships with communities the RCMP serves

I would argue it’s the number one benefit of the Ride.

Members believe the Musical Ride is effective at building relationships with Canadians

• 88% of survey respondents agreed that touring with the Musical Ride gave them the opportunity to engage directly with Canadians
• 73% of survey respondents agreed the Musical Ride is an effective tool for building positive relationships with Canadians and communities

Communities and the Media

• Community representatives were nearly unanimous, in post performance surveys, that the Musical Ride contributed positively to the achievement of their organization’s goals
• Musical Ride performances raised between $1,500 and $100,000 to support local initiatives and charities. (for example, Diabetes Canada, local foodbanks)
• A media scan highlighted the funds raised for local charities and non-profit organizations, and that the Musical Ride has a long-standing tradition of community outreach

The riders travelling the country are part of a long tradition that has primarily become a tool of community outreach for the national police force. Each ride raises funds for the community that hosts it.

Musical Ride performances are effective at building relationships with communities by creating opportunities for direct interaction between RCMP members and the public

• A key activity for relationship-building is the interaction between the riders and the public in the ring after the performance, or in the stables. This allows the public an opportunity to interact with members and ask them questions about the Musical Ride and their personal experiences, take photos with them and the horses, and learn more about the Musical Ride, as well as the RCMP as a whole
• Musical Ride performances allow members of the local detachment an opportunity to interact with the public in a manner outside of their usual experience, which may boost morale as they receive direct appreciation for their work
• Interviews found the Musical Ride can be a means to establishing relationships with diverse communities and new Canadians who may have preconceived notions and be distrustful of police

Opportunities for increased relationship-building with communities

• When asked what else the Musical Ride can do to build relationships with communities, the most frequent suggestion from survey respondents was for Musical Ride members to spend more time in the communities and engage in other activities beyond the performances (for example, visits to schools and other community groups, participating in other smaller scale events.)
• Some interviewees suggested the Musical Ride could be deployed more strategically where community relations have been strained, or in communities that have experienced traumatic events (for example, a performance in James Smith Cree Nation as part of the 2023 tour)

The Musical Ride is an effective tool for building relationships with domestic and international partners, including other RCMP program areas, other federal departments, and international counterparts

• Local partners are often present at performances, which provides an opportunity for them to interact with RCMP leadership
• In addition to performances, there are a number of other activities (outlined in Finding #1) that the Musical Ride participates in that help establish and build relationships with domestic and international partners. The extent to which relationships are strengthened with partners through these activities is reflected in the volume of related correspondence received by Musical Ride management
• The Musical Ride has supported the building of relationships between various RCMP programs and their specific clients/counterparts, including Federal Policing Criminal Operations, RCMP Special “O” Policy Center, Departmental Security and the Canadian Police College

Your team were professional, knowledgeable, and showed tremendous pride for their corps and their service and are a credit to Canada as ambassadors. I was glad to re-emphasise the special link between the Mounties and the U.K.

The Musical Ride’s governance structure is well documented and encompasses established policies, plans, roles and responsibilities, and procedures

• Multiple documents outline the roles and responsibilities at the individual and unit level, as well as the obligations of host communities. Among the documents reviewed are organizational charts, role descriptions, job descriptions, and presentations prior to tours
• 70% of survey respondents agreed that the objectives of the Musical Ride are/were clear to them
• 75% of survey respondents agreed that the roles and responsibilities related to the Musical Ride are/were clear to them
• Senior management interviewees indicated that the Musical Ride organizational structure is appropriate, straightforward and effective when fully staffed
  • Current low staffing levels impede effectiveness and efficiency
• A review of program documents found clear processes and procedures that contribute to the safety and successful execution of the program
• There is a substantial collection of policies, plans, protocols, and procedures that support program delivery
  • Many of these documents lacked a signatory and/or date clearly indicating the documents final and approved status
• There is up to date and detailed planning and tracking related to building and asset management at the Breeding farm

The Musical Ride takes a strategic approach when planning each tour season

The planning phase for a Musical Ride tour season requires significant strategic considerations. The Musical Ride’s tour planner plays a crucial role in this process, which includes the following key elements:

Regional coverage

The Branch strives to provide equal coverage to all accessible regions and provinces of the country on a rotational basis every four years.

Performance location selection

The tour planner collaborates with other senior managers to select suitable performance locations.

Route optimization

The most efficient routes are mapped out, taking into account necessary stops to provide food and water to the horses and ensure proper rest for tour employees.

Collaboration with divisional commanding officers and local detachment personnel

These individuals actively participate in identifying and prioritizing locations.

Pre-tour planning site visits and presentations

These involve travelling to locations and reviewing the grounds for safety for riders and horses, and reviewing hosting requirements.

The collective agreement for regular members, signed in August 2021, is a major consideration when scheduling members during a tour season

• The unique nature of the Musical Ride was not reflected in the collective agreement
• There is no room for flexibility in the collective agreement, and it is a challenge for management to ensure compliance at all times
• Some of the aspects of the Musical Ride impacted by the collective agreement include travel logistics (for example, flights and accommodations), hours of work, number of hours between shifts, changes within the 28 day posted shift period, and overtime

Most commanding officers and sergeants major saw opportunities to employ the Musical Ride more strategically, specifically when deciding where it performs

• As an example, consideration could be given to scheduling Musical Ride performances in communities where building/improving relationships would be advantageous to the RCMP, such as Indigenous communities or specific communities where relations, or morale, have deteriorated
• A few of the divisional interviewees indicated that this kind of strategic scheduling/use requires increased/better communication between the division and the Musical Ride
• The recent practice of engaging divisional sergeants major was seen as an effective means to acquire input on divisional priorities and strategic considerations
  • This practice was used by in planning the Musical Ride’s RCMP 150th anniversary cross-country tour
  • In the past, sending letters to divisional commanding officers was a common practice, but is seen as less effective from a tour planning perspective. (However, commanding officer’s offices should still be engaged through the sergeants major.)

The Musical Ride has ensured national coverage from 2016 to 2023:

• Visiting all provinces and two territories
• Visiting communities in large urban centres and small rural areas

The Musical Ride undertakes limited performance measurement and reporting activities

• The Musical Ride’s objective is to support front-line police operations by:
  • building positive relationships
  • supporting recruiting efforts
  • promoting the RCMP's image in communities in Canada and around the world
• A review of documents and management interviewees indicates there are opportunities to improve the collection and reporting of data, particularly with regard to activities beyond Musical Ride performances

While there are some plans in place to ensure a safe and secure workplace, the morale of regular members on the Musical Ride is low and there are some areas of the workplace that need attention

• A survey conducted of past and present Musical Ride employees highlights challenges in the administration of the Musical Ride, particularly with regard to the well-being of regular members
  • Results highlight significant differences between regular members who joined the Musical Ride between 2018 and 2021 and those who joined in 2017 or earlier. These differences provide insights into the evolving needs and experiences of the regular members over time

Survey respondents conveyed a general sense of feeling unsupported by their superiors

• This was the most common reason given by those who disagreed that they received adequate mental or physical support
• When specifically asked if they felt supported by Musical Ride supervisors and management:
  • 46% of regular members disagreed
  • 67% of those who joined from 2018 to 2021 disagreed

There are a number of factors that have contributed to a decline in the morale of Musical Ride members in recent years, including challenges related to releasability and the COVID-19 pandemic ^{footnote 1}

The Musical Ride management team has introduced new initiatives to improve employee wellness and boost morale

• Beginning in June 2020, riders were deployed to V Division for relief duties. A total of 27 members of the Musical Ride providedsupport for 41 relief duties
• In 2021, management planned Musical Ride performances for first responders in Ottawa with a view to boosting morale among members of the Musical Ride, some of whom had never participated in a performance
• Management gave all riders time away from the Musical Ride and brought in civilian contractors to care for and exercise the horses. This included the entire 2022/2023 winter season (November-January) as well as the 2023 March Break
• For the 2023 tour, four contractors (later increased to five) were hired to travel with the Musical Ride to support regular members in caring for the horses, allowing members more time off and fewer overnight shifts. This appears to be having a positive impact on Musical Ride members and management is planning to increase to six contractors for the 2024 tour

Hiring more civilians in support roles could provide regular members more time to ensure their police skills are kept up to date

• There is a perception among riders that the Musical Ride does not support participation in non-Musical Ride training, while management states very few requests for career development are received, and all are supported
• 76% of riders who joined between 2018-2021 disagreed that the Musical Ride does a good job of supporting employee career development
• Some survey respondents indicated that career development is not a priority for the Musical Ride, which can make it difficult to transition back to operational police work as they are not up to date on all of their training

While the Musical Ride has a role in recruiting, it is not seen as a primary means of attracting new members

• Most commanding officers and half of sergeants major believe the Musical Ride is effective at supporting recruitment to some degree
  • Commanding officers felt the engagement between riders and the public is the most effective activity
  • Many commanding officers view the Musical Ride as a long-term investment in recruiting as it “plants a seed” in young people who may later pursue a career with the RCMP
  • A few interviewees provided anecdotal evidence of people they knew of who had joined the RCMP as a result of seeing the Musical Ride as children
• Divisional recruiters were split on whether the Musical Ride is an effective recruiting mechanism
  • Most felt the demographic that attends the performances tend to lean heavily toward senior citizens and children
  • However, Musical Ride performances have an indirect impact on recruiting by portraying a positive image of the RCMP and establishing relationships in the community
• Most recruiters or their staff attend the shows to set up an information booth, and sometimes incorporate other activities/demonstrations into the show (for example, K9 or Emergency Response Team demonstration)
• 36% of survey respondents agreed the Musical Ride is used effectively as a recruiting tool by the RCMP, while 46% disagreed
• 43% of survey respondents said they always or often provided resources (for example, contact information, website, pamphlets) to individuals curious about employment with the RCMP, while 43% said rarely or never
• 48% of survey respondents said they always or often engaged community members on the advantages of pursuing a career with the RCMP, while 28% said rarely or never

There are potential opportunities to expand the impact of the Musical Ride on recruiting

Stakeholders believe the Musical Ride could be used more strategically to support recruitment, and had similar suggestions in this regard.

• Ride members suggested:
  • ensure a recruiter is present at each performance
  • have a dedicated member for recruitment travel with the Musical Ride
  • give riders recruitment-specific training
  • provide riders with recruitment materials to hand out
  • allow more opportunity for community engagement
• Musical Ride Management suggested:
  • have a dedicated member for recruitment travel with the Musical Ride
  • give riders recruitment-specific training
  • enhance communication / collaboration with National Recruiting
• Divisional Recruiters suggested:
  • have a dedicated member for recruitment travel with the Musical Ride
  • include messaging around recruitment in promotional materials advertising the Musical Ride
  • enhance communication between the Musical Ride and divisional recruiters
• National Recruiting suggested:
  • ensure a recruiter is present at each performance
  • give riders recruitment-specific training
  • provide riders with recruitment materials to hand out

The Musical Ride has adopted a number of activities to make operations more efficient

Examples of significant efficiencies include:

RCMP horse auction:

• Previously managed by the Mounted Police Foundation, the horse auction is used to sell horses that are not suitable for Musical Ride duties due to factors such as colour, size, and temperament. The revenues generated from these sales are reinvested in the RCMP Breeding Program, ensuring cost-saving measures and transparent disposal of Crown assets
• In 2020, the Musical Ride Branch took over and modernized the auction process by using the GCSurplus online platform. The transition to GCSurplus resulted in the highest return per horse after costs, and surplus artificial insemination stock was also sold, reducing frozen storage costs by half

Horse donations and divestments:

• The Musical Ride Branch has effectively managed surplus horses through various means over the years, including horse auctions, interdepartmental transfers, horse adoption/donation, divestment, and, when necessary, euthanasia

Breeding Farm:

• Detailed spreadsheets are maintained to provide descriptive information on building maintenance, potential projects, maintenance, upcoming projects, and a five-year rolling project plan for the farm. This helps ensure efficient management of the farm's infrastructure
• The farm previously contracted out a number of services that they now take care of themselves, which has generated savings and proven to be equally or more effective

Hiring professional civilian horse trainers:

• The Musical Ride has employed professional civilian horse trainers to replace trainers at the Corporal level. This decision has enhanced the consistency and quality of basic training for young horses (remounts) and reduced the program’s reliance on regular members

A lack of support from divisions for the cyclical nature of regular member transfers in and out of the Musical Ride on an annual basis has led to notable staffing challenges

• The Musical Ride has not been able to fully staff its positions, and has not had a full complement of 32 riders, since the 2018 tour

• Over the last few years, divisions have not been releasing many members despite 168 showing interest
  • Three new members joined the Musical Ride in 2023, while 12 members were released back to divisions
  • Ten members participated in the most recent Basic Equitation Courses (2 courses of 16 are possible)
  • Four members are currently on the Intermediate Equitation Course, which means only four Musical Ride members will transfer back to divisions after this year’s tour
  • Seven members are currently in their fourth year, and eight members in their third year. The majority of these riders are anticipated to want to move on after the tour
• Only three new members joined the Musical Ride for the 2023 tour, and another four are slated to join in 2024, while 15 members are in their third or fourth year with the Musical Ride
• Most commanding officers interviewed are supportive of releasing members for the Musical Ride, but felt the current shortage of regular members across the RCMP makes this difficult
• Musical Ride management made a presentation to the Senior Executive Committee in June 2023 that outlines some potential mitigation strategies to rebuild the ranks of the Musical Ride
  • The committee officially approved the plan in July and, as a result, there has already been an increase in the number of members being released to the Musical Ride this year, compared to recent years

The low number of regular members joining the Musical Ride has a number of impacts ^{footnote 2}

• More than half of the Corporal supervisor positions on the Musical Ride are vacant as there are insufficient candidates to promote from within
• Smaller intermediate equitation classes and a 24-person Musical Ride results in more work for members, given that the number of horses requiring care and exercise remains the same
• Asking members to stay longer to maintain minimum capacity levels is having a negative impact on employee morale. Musical Ride members may become discouraged in the absence of a regular rotation in and out
• 34% of survey respondents were satisfied that the Musical Ride has sufficient Human Resources

The current approach to riders appears to be the most effective course of action

• A few interviewees suggested the Musical Ride could be comprised of, or supplemented by, civilians to free up regular members for police work
• This approach could raise several challenges:
  • Legitimacy and effectiveness of the Musical Ride could be negatively impacted if the riders were not police officers
  • The Musical Ride provides a unique opportunity to regular members who may need a break from front line policing
  • The physical toll of the job necessitates frequent turnover of riders
  • A hybrid of regular members and civilians could lead to challenges (for example, difference in uniforms, pay scales, collective agreements)

Considering the long-term interests of the program, it is beneficial for the Musical Ride to prioritize the recruitment of civilians in multiple non-rider positions going forward

• In addition to the benefits to employee wellness and morale outlined earlier in the report, increased use of civilians would decrease the number of regular members required to sustain the Musical Ride
• With more civilian staff, regular members could potentially have more availability to support other areas of the RCMP in times of need

Assessing the cost/benefit ratio of the Musical Ride is challenging, as the benefits are difficult, if not impossible, to quantify

• Multiple documents highlight the qualitative benefits of the Musical Ride, describing it as "invaluable," playing an "important role," and contributing to the RCMP's "international reputation and prestige”
• In fiscal year 2021-22, Musical Ride expenditures (approximately $11.7 million) accounted for 0.22% of RCMP net expenditures of more than $5 billion

While discontinuing the Musical Ride could have a limited impact in addressing the shortage of regular members in operations, it would also create a void in positive public relations and potentially result in long-term negative repercussions for the RCMP

• Many commanding officers indicated the Musical Ride is worth the investment
  • Commanding officers see value in the Musical Ride and pointed out that the amount of resources dedicated to it are relatively small
  • One commanding officer however suggested that in times of resource shortfalls, the RCMP should consider moving resources away from the Musical Ride
• All sergeants major indicated that the Musical Ride is worth the investment made. Many indicated that re-distributing members and budget from the Musical Ride to other areas would only be “a drop in the bucket” or “a band-aid solution” that would have little impact on current resource issues