Overview

Veterans of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and their Families have unique experiences shaped by a career in policing. Throughout their service, RCMP members may be exposed to potentially psychologically traumatic events, operational stressors, grief and loss, moral injury, burnout and other challenges that can affect their well-being during and after service.

Many RCMP members can become deeply connected to the communities and people they serve, while also responding to complex and often traumatic situations. This can be particularly seen in rural, remote and northern communities. The nature of policing can affect not only the RCMP member, but also their Families, who often adapt to the demands of service, frequent relocations, operational stressors and the transition to post-service life. These impacts often extend well past retirement.

Research suggests that RCMP Veterans experience mental health challenges at higher rates than the general Canadian population. Operational stress injuries, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, substance use challenges and moral injury can have lasting impacts on RCMP Veterans and their Families. At the same time, RCMP Veterans and Families demonstrate remarkable resilience, drawing on their strengths, relationships and communities as they navigate life after service.

This page brings together stories, resources, research and supports related to RCMP Veterans and their Families.

Resources

In Canada, there are few dedicated resources and supports tailored to the well-being and mental health needs of RCMP Veterans and Families. To respond to this gap, the Atlas Institute collaborated with RCMP Veterans and Family members to develop a collection of practical resources specifically designed based on the experiences of the community and to inform the system about RCMP Veteran and Family well-being needs.

Guides on operational stress injury

The following resources were co-developed with RCMP Veterans and Family members to provide practical guidance on how to navigate the impact of an operational stress injury (OSI).

Life after Royal Canadian Mounted Police service: Mental health experiences of Veterans and Families

This report summarizes what we heard through a national dialogue series with RCMP Veterans, Family members, service providers and researchers. Participants shared experiences related to mental health, operational stress injuries, transition from service, access to care, identity, Family well-being and community connection.

Stories

Every RCMP Veteran and Family has a unique story.

Hear from former RCMP members and Family members who share their experiences of service, transition, mental health, recovery, caregiving, resilience and life after the RCMP.

We serve: A video series honouring and recognizing the many roles RCMP Veterans and their Families play

Mind Beyond the Mission podcast episodes

Perspectives blog posts

• From dreams to reality: Reflections from one of the first women in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police
• Beyond the red serge: Mounties’ repetitive traumas and treatment needs
• ‘It wasn’t him talking, it was the PTSD’: An RCMP spouse’s journey

Research

Atlas leads and supports research that aims to improve understanding of the experiences, needs and strengths of RCMP Veterans and their Families.

Learn more about recruiting studies at Atlas and opportunities to help inform future supports for RCMP Veterans and Families.

Quick facts

• The RCMP is Canada’s national police service and has served communities across the country for more than 150 years.
• RCMP members report the highest average exposure to potentially psychologically traumatic events among Canadian public safety personnel¹.
• Studies have found approximately 50% of RCMP members screen positive for at least one mental health condition, including 30% who screen positive for PTSD symptoms².
• Research on public safety personnel suggests that workplace stressors and cumulative trauma exposure can have lasting effects on mental health that extend into post-service life³.
• Families of Veterans and public safety personnel may experience higher levels of emotional challenges and lower well‑being compared with non‑service Families⁴.

Additional resources and support

• Peer support program directory

Explore peer support programs available across Canada. The directory can be filtered by population, including programs relevant to RCMP Veterans and Families.

• Support for Operational Stress Injuries (SOSI)

The RCMP’s SOSI program offers peer support for serving and former RCMP members affected by OSIs.

• RCMP Veterans’ Association (RCMPVA)

The RCMPVA provides information, advocacy, peer connection and resources for former RCMP members and their Families.

• Veterans Affairs Canada

Veterans Affairs Canada offers programs, benefits and services for eligible RCMP Veterans and their Families.

• Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT)

CIPSRT mobilizes research and develops resources related to the mental health of public safety personnel, including current and former RCMP members.

• Garnet Families

Garnet Families provides education, resources and support focused on the well-being of Families connected to military, Veteran and public safety communities.

• Public safety personnel and posttraumatic stress injuries

Resources, videos and stories aimed at supporting public safety personnel and their Families who are navigating posttraumatic stress injuries.

• Information and resources for Families and friends

Dedicated resources for Families of RCMP and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Veterans living with service-related injuries.

• Traumatic brain injury resources

Practical information and guidance on brain injuries, including how to care for them, for Veterans, Families and people who work with them.