The operation consisted of marine patrols off the near-coastal waters of Beaufort Sea, as well as a search and rescue exercise done in partnership with the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG), CCG Auxiliary and Transport Canada.
From July 15 to September 19, the RCMP G Division Federal Investigations Unit (FIU) conducted an Arctic patrolling operation, as part of their Border Integrity mandate.
The Federal Patrol Vessel P/V Mackenzie, is positioned in Tuktoyaktuk and is typically operated by a crew of four RCMP members when conducting these patrols.
The RCMP is responsible for border security between official ports of entry along the border, both on land and on the water. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is responsible for the official ports of entry. All vessels entering Canadian waters have to report to CBSA.
The patrols were done in partnership with CBSA, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Tuktoyaktuk RCMP, Inuvik RCMP, North District RCMP, the Canadian Coast Guard and the Department of National Defence.
RCMP members observed the marine activity in the waters they patrolled but saw no signs of criminal activity.
Julie Plourde is the Media Relations Officer with the Northwest Territories RCMP in Yellowknife.
“Everywhere our officers went, in any interaction with the communities along the coastline, they were always met with warmth and thanked for their presence,” Plourde said. “Inter-agency operations are some of the most valuable partner activities that the RCMP participates in.”
Plourde says the knowledge gained over these operations, the experience of working together to prepare for potential incidents that require a multi-agency response, is invaluable.
The NT RCMP is dedicated to keeping Northern communities safe.
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