RCMP Race-Based Data Collection Initiative

On this page

• The importance of race-based data collection
• Race-based data
• Using officer-perception data
• Safeguarding information
• Pilot locations
• Data collection during pilot project
• Community engagements during the Race-Based Data Collection Initiative

The importance of race-based data collection

The RCMP is committed to addressing systemic racism and discrimination. The Race-Based Data Collection Initiative provides valuable data to identify and monitor trends in our interactions with the public. This will help us make decisions and develop policies, practices and training that are informed by evidence, are responsive to community needs, and best support frontline members in the delivery of fair and equitable policing services.

Race-based data

Race-based data refers to information about a person's race and Indigenous identity. The RCMP will collect race-based data based on a police officer's perceived race of an individual based on appearance and other information known to the officer at the time of the interaction. Officers will be asked to record their best estimate of a person's race and Indigenous identity during specific policing interactions.

Using officer-perception data

Race-based perception data will help the RCMP to identify any systemic biases in policing interactions and understand Indigenous, Black and racialized communities' unique experiences. Using officer-perception data can help us understand how implicit biases, policies, practices and processes may shape police decision-making and the outcome of policing interactions.

The Race-Based Data Collection Initiative is intended to help the RCMP better understand and address systemic racism and systemic racial biases arising from the organization's policies and practices.

In all interactions with the public, RCMP employees are guided by the RCMP's Bias-Free Policing Policy, which is based on the principles of non-discrimination and the equitable treatment of all people.

Safeguarding information

The collection, management and use of race-based data is consistent with RCMP's responsibilities under the Privacy Act and RCMP Act. When reporting results, data will be presented in summary form and properly de-identified so individuals cannot be identified.

Pilot locations

The Race-Based Data Collection Initiative pilot will begin in January 2024 in:

• in Whitehorse, Yukon (M Division);
• Wood Buffalo (Fort McMurray), Alberta (K Division); and
• Thompson, Manitoba (D Division)

Additional pilots are being scheduled in British Columbia (E Division) and Nova Scotia.

These sites were chosen based on a number of factors including public consultations held throughout 2022 and 2023. Piloting the Race-Based Data Collection Initiative will provide an opportunity for the RCMP to test out processes and make improvements and adjustments before a national rollout.

Data collection during pilot project

During the pilot program, the RCMP will collect perceived race-based data to analyze and understand outcomes of police-public interactions in the following categories:

• use of force
• wellness checks
• arrests

Community engagements during the Race-Based Data Collection Initiative

Community engagement is critical to the success of the Race-Based Data Collection Initiative. The RCMP continues to seek collaborations and partnerships with community organizations at pilot locations to engage with the public through town halls, focus groups, surveys, and events.

Thoughtful and meaningful engagement can create space for impacted communities to share their perspectives on race-based data collection. Inviting Indigenous, Black, and other racialized communities and youth, to help interpret the findings and inform decision-making can strengthen accountability and trust.

Engagement with communities will help inform the training members receive, the supports they need to provide modern policing services, and the solutions they will help implement to improve community safety outcomes. Engagement with First Nation, Inuit, and Métis communities, as well as relevant provincial and municipal stakeholders, will help align the race-based data collection initiative with other local efforts to address systemic racism and discrimination for a more lasting impact.

Meaningful engagement begins with establishing and growing relationships, introducing race-based data collection to communities, listening to their perspectives, and building trust and working relationships through open and transparent communication.

The key takeaways from our engagements to date include:

• Race-based data collection findings can highlight gaps in social services, enhance officer training and cultural competency, and improve relationships
• Communities had questions about accountability and data quality
• Safety issues we heard about at all five sites include: hate crimes, over-policing, under-policing, and limited mental health resources
• Engagement should take a history-based and trauma-informed approach that considers the diversity of and within communities
• Communities want to be involved at every stage and are interested in providing guidance and/or tangible supports for engagement
• Communities want better relationships with the RCMP and emphasized the impact that one member can have on building trust

Engagement is not a one-time effort. The RCMP is returning to each pilot site for multiple rounds of conversations as the pilot progresses to talk to communities and the public at each stage.

1. Prepare for collection (Fall 2023 to Spring 2024): to inform communities about the race-based data collection initiative, learn more about communities' interests, concerns and needs around data, and seek support and potential collaborations
2. Guide development of analyses framework and engagement (Summer 2024 to Winter 2025): Deepen conversations to identify principles to guide analyses and inclusive engagement with communities.
3. Reflect on progress and inform national roll-out (Spring 2025 to Fall 2025): Validate lessons learned, best practices, and assess progress to develop next steps