From July 15th to September 19th, RCMP G Division Federal Investigations Unit (FIU) conducted an Arctic patrolling operation, as part of their Border Integrity mandate.
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.
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.
Everywhere our officers went, in any interaction with the communities along the coast line, they were always met with warmth and thanked for their presence.
Inter-agency operations are some of the most valuable partner activities that the RCMP participates in. The knowledge gained over these operations, the experience of working together to prepare for potential incidents that require a multi-agency response, is invaluable.