Canada Law Enforcement Equipment and Uniform Modernization

The Royal Canadian Mountain Police (RCMP) is the federal and national police service of Canada and employs over 30,000, with approximately 1,600 volunteers. According to the RCMP’s 2022-2023 Departmental Plan, investments are being made by the department to increase police officer de-escalation options and modernize safety equipment and uniforms to respond to conflicts effectively.

To keep pace with modern technology and advancements in police interventions, the RCMP is looking to modernize a large range of equipment. The types of equipment identified include but are not limited to police and public safety nonlethal intervention equipment, respirators, handcuffs, lightweight hard body armor, portable ballistic shields, lightweight batons, and breaching tools.

After conducting a two-year review of the uniform and tactile gear given to employees, the RCMP also seeks to improve its equipment by focusing on innovation, diversity, and inclusion. As a result, all new safety uniforms and equipment procured under the modernization plan will undergo a gender-based assessment (GBA) to ensure compliance with an increasingly diverse workforce. The uniforms the RCMP is seeking include but are not limited to more comfortable pants and boots; new options for headdress like the dastaar and patka; and body armor that is inclusive to range of sizes. 

The overall law enforcement equipment market in Canada is valued at USD 927 million and is expected to grow to USD 1.21 billion by 2028. The RCMP’s expenditures on equipment have increased over the past three years and is expected to grow as the department continues to support efforts towards modern policing.

The U.S. law enforcement industry can help bolster Canada’s response to crime and crisis intervention and support efforts towards inclusion by offering innovative solutions. The U.S. Commercial Service in Canada is closely following the developments in this critical industry. We stand ready to support advocacy efforts and export promotion efforts. For further information, please contact Commercial Specialist Philipp Fortin