Update from the Corps Sergeant Major
Note
This page is intended for all RCMP employees.
You should contact your manager if you have any questions specific to your situation.
Corps Sergeant Major's broadcast sent April 17, 2020
Throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, your Warrant Officers and I have continued to play an active role in keeping our senior leadership informed and in touch with the needs of our front line across the country. We have been hearing front-line stories and feedback from members in detachments and units in all Divisions, and we will continue to make sure our Division and national Senior Executive tables are aware of your situation.
As always, if you have questions about dress and deportment or grooming, or if you want to share insights about morale and welfare in your units, whether there is a success or best practice to recognize or a gap that needs attention, your Warrant is one of the many resources that can listen and help guide you to the right resources.
Letter of support from RCMP Veterans' Association
On March 27, Commissioner Lucki sent a letter to RCMP Veterans through the Veterans' Association.
The Commissioner would like to reinforce this important connection: "Our Veterans are an important part of our RCMP family. During these challenging days, we need to look out for each other. If you have the time, I encourage you to reach out by phone, email or text message to your former colleagues who may have retired, or those who may be on long-term medical leave. Touching base with them will do both of you a world of good. One of my favourite parts of this job is listening to the stories and the humour of the women and men who have shaped our organization and helped to guide our country to safety through many incidents before this."
I am pleased to share with all of you some kind words of support that we received in reply. Please see the full text of the Vets' Association response, included below.
Grooming standards during COVID-19 closures
We recognize that many businesses, including barbershops and hair salons are closed to keep their customers and themselves safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, not all of us are looking or feeling as tidy as we normally would.
I thank you for your best efforts to look sharp, while respecting everyone's safety. Because not all of us have the tools or the skills to attempt to keep up our normal grooming, we have to accept that our hair may get a little longer under the circumstances.
You may want to note that the updated RCMP uniform and dress policy does not require you to keep your hair short. If you are unable to access professional hair services, you can follow the policies for wearing long hair.
Always remember that your safety and the safety of the general public are our top priorities. We're all in this together, and we're all experiencing the same disruption to our normal routines. As long as your hair does not interfere with the proper fit and function of personal protective equipment or safely carrying out your duties, you need not be concerned about missing a trim.
Facial hair
For your continued safety, however, you must continue to follow the requirements for wearing a tight-fitting respirator. The current pandemic represents a known hazard that could require the use of a respirator as personal protective equipment under some circumstances.
For the duration of the pandemic in Canada, our members are required to remove any beards or to trim any long moustaches that will interfere with the effective use of a fitted respirator.
Should you require accommodation based on a prohibited ground of discrimination, which includes religion and disability, you must complete and submit form 6470.
Be safe,
Al McCambridge
Corps Sergeant Major
Letter from RCMP Veterans' Association
Dear Members of the Force,
For those who have gone before you, the Veterans, we salute your courage and determination in this time of extreme dislocation in Canada. This is an enormous country that spans time zones and cultures not often seen in any other part of the world.
The peoples of Canada with origins in other continents or here in Canada are unique in their willingness to share in the common good of their fellow citizens. It is often said that a nation is judged on how it treats its weakest citizens. This country, our country reaches out to all our citizens with a helping hand. A willingness to aid when the need is there. Our laws reflect our desire to, as best we can make this a country where people matter and all are treated fairly.
This country, despite its size, provides government services in some of the remotest areas of the globe. Health care, financial assistance, housing are all examples of the Canadian spirit showing in deeds and not just words. This kind of assistance ties us together in common cause to help our neighbours near and far across the country.
A theme that is often repeated about our country is the politeness that foreigners experience and the safety that is so apparent. Safety that is the result of the rule of law and the dedicated work of Canadian law enforcement. Law enforcement that is often made possible by the support of the RCMP. Whether it be CPIC or forensics the Force is there with a steady hand to provide the services required to permit effective law enforcement.
Now, in a time of pandemic that steady hand is being tested in the extreme. Members of the Force are often the first responders to any kind of situation be it a domestic complaint or an auto accident and they are expected to take charge of the situation and resolve it. But now you are faced with the knowledge that the people you are helping may be the people that will infect you with COVID-19. Your neighbour becomes your source of infection.
Despite this knowledge you continue to provide law enforcement services across Canada. You participate in support parades for the health care professionals, never shy from any task and are recognized for your dedication to service both in Canada and around the world. These are circumstances that we, as veterans, never experienced. An invisible foe that can strike at any time for which there are few weapons in your duty belt to defend yourself with.
We are honoured by the knowledge that we share a common heritage and that your bravery in the face of this cruel infection continues unbridled and we offer you all the support we can give now and in the future.
We are with you.
Steve Walker
President
RCMP Veterans' Association
Stay informed
Please review the national COVID-19 Infoweb site – we are adding new information every day. I urge managers to review these sources daily and ensure that you share them with your teams.
For those without access to the Infoweb or ROSS e-mail (including families):
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