RCMP initiatives to boost border security
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The RCMP uses a variety of surveillance tools and technologies as well as patrol assets to monitor and secure the border in between the ports of entry, within Canadian laws and regulations, in line with its Federal Policing border integrity mandate.
The nature of police work requires us to adapt our intervention methods and resources based on the situation, its needs and any challenges that may arise. The RCMP has mobilized and increased resources at the Canada-United States border, immediately increasing our ability to patrol, detect, respond and investigate both north and southbound threats. We have repositioned police officers to areas that have historically attracted irregular migration flows.
For operational integrity reasons, the RCMP cannot provide the number of regular members deployed between the ports of entry. The RCMP is continually reviewing its operational priorities to ensure areas are appropriately resourced.
Drones and helicopters at the Canada-United States border
The RCMP has deployed an Aerial Intelligence Task Force comprising of helicopters, drones, and mobile surveillance towers. This technology supports RCMP officers and is monitored by the Border Integrity Operations Centre to provide surveillance between ports of entry.
The RCMP has deployed an Aerial Intelligence Task Force comprising of helicopters, drones, and mobile surveillance towers. This technology supports RCMP officers and is monitored by the Border Integrity Operations Centre to provide surveillance between ports of entry.
The RCMP has procured 60 drones specifically for task missions tied to integrated border enforcement work. The use of drones (otherwise known as "Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems") allows the RCMP to monitor remote or hard-to-access areas more effectively, helping detect and respond to potential risks in real time.
The Canadian Armed Forces has provided over 40 secured drones to support RCMP border security activities. These drones are secure models and meet Transport Canada regulations and are compliant with Trade Agreement requirements and the United States National Defense Authorization Act.
To further bolster our surveillance and response capabilities, the RCMP has chartered three Black Hawk helicopters to patrol the border and address specific operational gaps. They are being used to patrol, detect, and respond to both north and southbound threats at the Canada-United States border, ultimately preventing illegal crossings of people, goods and drugs.
The Black Hawks are being deployed daily based on operational needs. They complement the RCMP's existing fleet of 9 helicopters - 6 of which provide border surveillance and support, with sensors capable of thermal imaging, and one capable of hoisting operations.
The addition of Black Hawks greatly increases the RCMP's detection and response capabilities, offering rapid deployment and providing coverage when and where needed in between ports of entry.
To protect operational integrity, the RCMP cannot provide specific information on where the Black Hawks are based, nor where they will be deployed at any given time.
The RCMP is continuing its procurement planning for a longer-term solution for helicopters.
RCMP's response to potential increases in asylum seekers
The RCMP has worked through various scenarios in the event of sudden increases in irregular migration between official ports of entry at the Canada-United States border and continues to assess contingency plans. Any response to a sudden increase in irregular migration will be coordinated in conjunction with our various partners whose mandates relate to border security and immigration.
The RCMP is in regular communication with domestic partners involved in this space, including the CBSA and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The number of RCMP interceptions (which refers to asylum seekers apprehended between the ports of entry) per year and by province can be found on the IRCC website.
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