Alberta RCMP officers set to switch to new uniforms this week
The new navy blue uniforms will begin to be worn by front-line officers starting on Aug. 15. Some officers may continue wearing the current grey uniforms for some time, RCMP say.
Alberta’s Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers are set to transition to new uniforms starting on August 15. The changes have been gradually implemented across Canada since October of last year, when the first detachments in Prince Edward Island donned the new navy blue shirts. Earlier this summer, the RCMP also announced a modernization of their police vehicles, adopting an industry-standard livery.
In light of the upcoming uniform change, the Alberta RCMP have acknowledged that there may still be instances where officers wear the current grey uniforms during the transition period. In a statement, the Mounties emphasized that the new color may cause confusion among the public. They advised anyone who has concerns about the identity of a police officer to ask for identification or contact the local detachment’s non-emergency line for verification.
The RCMP's decision to update their appearance comes amid recent incidents involving individuals impersonating police. By introducing a fresh uniform colour, authorities aim to enhance public recognition and deter such impersonation attempts. The transition period is expected to see a mix of the new navy blue shirts and the existing grey uniforms as officers complete their shift with the old attire.
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