The RCMP's Community Program Officers (CPOs) and Community Program Officers for Indigenous Communities (CPOIs) collaborate with community partners to develop and implement crime prevention strategies. They work closely with organizations and community leaders to address local crime concerns and raise awareness mainly through educational initiatives.
The first CPO program was launched by the New Brunswick RCMP in 2007, making it the oldest in Canada. CPOs offer school and community-based presentations on topics like drug awareness, internet safety, sextortion, and anti-bullying to vulnerable populations. They also monitor crime trends to help reduce crime and victimization.
The program has since expanded to include Community Program Officers for Indigenous Communities (CPOIs). Today, there are currently nine CPOs, five CPOIs, and one municipal CPO. Codiac RCMP has its own dedicated CPO program for the Moncton, Riverview and Dieppe areas.
CPOs and CPOIs receive referrals from justice partners such as police officers, Crown Prosecutors, and judges. They work as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Among the many ways they can help, they can conduct risk assessments, assist with connecting individuals with the appropriate mental health resources, work with youth and adult offenders, assist with violence threat risk assessments in schools and help with victim safety planning in situations of intimate partner violence.
"For the RCMP, maintaining a safe community means understanding what the community needs and connecting vulnerable people with the appropriate resources," said Rhonda Stairs, CPO Program Manager. "CPOs and CPOIs play a vital role in their communities and, by virtue of living and working there, they have a deep understanding of community needs at the local level."
During the 2022-2023 fiscal year, CPOs and CPOIs conducted 1,460 school visits to 173 schools, facilitated over 340 engagement activities, and participated in more than 480 committee meetings, ranging from mental health to transition housing, to local organizations, to share their expertise on various local concerns.
If you would like to request a CPO or CPOI to attend a community event near you, please contact JDIV_CPO-CPOI.DIVJ_APC-APCA@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.