International Peacekeeping - The World is Waiting, Are You Ready?

Make Peacekeeping Part of Your Policing Experience

We, at the RCMP International Peace Operations Branch (IPB), believe that serving in an overseas mission has the potential to make you a better police officer and person. Located at the RCMP Headquarters in Ottawa, the IPB is a team of professionals dedicated to the logistical, administrative, medical and psychological support of Canadian police officers deployed world-wide.

About the Program

Carried out by several different international organizations (e.g. the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU) and international courts), peacekeeping missions/peace support operations often have a police component.

Most Canadian police officers deployed overseas operate within the contingent, but other international organizations also request the services of our officers. On behalf of the Government of Canada, the RCMP is responsible for managing the participation of Canadian police officers in peacekeeping and peace support missions in partnership with over 25 municipal, regional and provincial police departments.

The Peacekeeping Environment

Canadian police officers are deployed to countries that have often been ravaged by war or civil strife. Democratic and social institutions have either been destroyed or never existed and the police are often seen as agents of repression and terror. The basic necessities we take for granted in Canada are often missing and living and working conditions can be primitive.

Helping People in Need

Canadian police officers are legendary for their humanitarian efforts. From the rehabilitation of playgrounds and community centres to securing free and democratic elections, Canadian police peacekeepers are often at the forefront of humanitarian efforts. Participating in a peacekeeping mission will allow you to help those less fortunate and make a positive difference in the world.

The Experience of a Lifetime

Participation in a peacekeeping mission provides you with the opportunity to live and work in a foreign country, meet new people and experience a wide variety of cultures. During your mission, you will experience something new virtually every day. You will gain lifelong friends among the local population and among other participating foreign police officers and mission support staff from around the world.

Personal and Professional Development

During the mission you are entitled to compensatory time off (CTO) and can leave the area to explore nearby countries and cultures. Chances to travel internationally, to live and work in a new and challenging environment, to use your imagination and initiative, to really help people, all offer the opportunity for significant personal development.

Many returned officers cite enhanced leadership, organizational and problem solving skills, greater tolerance and cultural sensitivity as well as a heightened appreciation for the Canadian way of life as positive aspects of their time abroad. These are powerful career builders and can be applied in whatever occupation you might choose in the future. Furthermore, upon completion of certain missions, you may also be entitled to the Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal.

Questions and Answers

How long are peacekeeping missions?

• A tour of duty is usually nine months long. Depending on the nature of the mission, it can be longer or shorter.

What are the selection criteria?

• Currently a minimum of five years of policing experience is required to serve in a Canadian peacekeeping mission. To be considered for a mission, you must also successfully complete the RCMP Physical Abilities Requirement Evaluation (PARE) test and be evaluated physically and psychologically by health professionals. Candidates should have strong interpersonal and organizational skills, enjoy coaching and leading teams, and be adaptable, adventurous and interested in discovering new cultures.

What Do the Duties Consist Of?

You will serve under the authority of the host agency, such as the United Nations, and must abide by the rules, regulations and policies of that agency. Our officers have been involved in the following duties:

• monitoring and advising local police,
• training, reforming, professionalizing and democratizing police organizations,
• investigating human rights violations,
• encouraging a neutral political environment free from intimidation during elections,
• acting as a liaison between international organizations and groups,
• assisting in humanitarian activities,
• overseeing the security and human rights of returned refugees and displaced persons,
• exercising executive police authority.

How Do I Apply for a Peacekeeping Mission?

RCMP Members

• If you are an RCMP member, you have to fill out the Career Plan Update, form 3505 and refer to the Career Management Manual (CMM), Chapter 5 and Appendix 5-8, Part III, Job Code 646, location code A400.

Municipal, regional and provincial police officers

• Officers of municipal, regional and provincial police departments must apply through their police agency. Numerous municipal, regional and provincial police departments currently provide personnel to peacekeeping missions (see map of some partners on page 9). The participating partners may change from time to time so please contact the appropriate person in your administration to determine if your agency is participating in a given year and for advice and assistance. Please note that prior to applying, you have to ensure that you are releasable by your immediate supervisor and the Staffing and Personnel Officer.

Can a Female Police Officer Apply for a Peacekeeping Mission?

Yes, female police officers who meet the basic criteria can apply. The United Nations has passed a resolution seeking a greater participation of women in its police operations. Canada and the RCMP support this resolution. Since 1989, many Canadian female police officers have served in peacekeeping missions around the world. Most of them found the experience challenging and inspiring.

Where Can I Expect to Serve?

Currently, Canadian police officers are deployed in Sierra Leone, Iraq, Jordan, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Afghanistan and Haiti. Future missions may take us to Sudan and Bosnia. These locations are subject to change at any time. For further information, please contact IPB directly (see contact information on page 14.)

What Happens If I Get Sick or Hurt While on Duty?

Suitable medical facilities in mission and in nearby developed countries have been identified as treatment locations for mission participants. Costs for treatment and transportation to the appropriate medical facility are the responsibility of the host agency, such as the United Nations. We work closely with the medical personnel of the host agency to ensure that you get prompt, modern medical treatment.

How Do I Manage My Family Responsibilities While Away on Duty?

We know how important families are and we make every effort to ensure a smooth tour of duty for everyone. Contact is maintained on a regular basis between RCMP Headquarters and the contingent in mission to relay important messages and requests. Divisions and police departments are informed about administrative and operational matters while families are given regular updates on the status of a mission. When regular communication becomes impossible due to a critical incident, this system ensures an appropriate flow of information between families and deployed officers. As well, a travel benefit entitlement is provided to allow deployed officers to reunite with family members at least once during the mission.

Are There Dangers Related to Peacekeeping Missions?

As in all police work, there are risks. Because most of the countries where missions take place have recently experienced war or serious civil unrest, the risks can be considered somewhat higher than in Canada. We visit missions on a regular basis to evaluate health and safety hazards as well as security measures. We anticipate and counter those heightened risks by ensuring that our officers are mentally and physically prepared for the mission and have the training and equipment necessary to do the job safely and effectively.

What Is the Compensation Level?

You are entitled to receive various non-taxable allowances falling under the Military Foreign Service Instructions (MFSI). There is no overtime while seconded to Peacekeeping operations. Depending on the length and location of the mission, these allowances may include any of the following:

• Operations Foreign Service Premium (OPSFSP)
• Hardship Allowance (HA) and Hardship Allowance Bonus (HAB)
• Risk Allowance (RA)
• Post-Specific Allowance (PSA)

You may also be entitled to receive one or more of the following travel benefits:

• Home Leave Travel Allowance (HLTA)
• Family Reunion Travel Allowance (FRTA)
• Vacation Travel Allowance (VTA)

You may also be entitled to receive a Mission Subsistence Allowance (MSA)

Note: Policies surrounding these allowances and benefits are subject to change without notice at any time.

The World is Waiting, Are You Ready?

Our aim is to ensure that your overseas policing mission experience is safe, interesting and as rewarding as possible. Many of us here at the IPB have served in peacekeeping missions and we strongly recommend the experience to you.

Make Peacekeeping Part of Your Policing Experience

For further information, questions or comments, please contact the International Peace Operations Branch:

Telephone: (613) 993-4915
Fax: (613) 993-3522
Email: peacekeeping@rcmp-grc.gc.ca