CVE Program

Q: What are the goals of this program?

The RCMP is developing a Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) program as an
extension of the community policing philosophy and practice. It is through this
shared responsibility that national security can be enhanced. While the core
principles of this program are primarily to mobilize resources in the pre-criminal
space, it is also being designed to have broader application on other federal
policing and RCMP priorities.


Q: How it will practically work?

The CVE program will consist of working with local law enforcement, as well as
domestic and international partners to prevent individuals from engaging in
terrorist activity. Awareness, education, and training are key components in the
prevention strategy to build individual and community resilience. The RCMPs
CVE program will include educating Canadians on the role of law enforcement
and the responsibilities that they, in turn, have in safeguarding Canada. As a
force-multiplier, a train the trainers program is being developed to raise
awareness of CVE indicators among front line police officers, provide training and
tools to key partners, mobilize community resources, and develop tactical
intervention options which can be adapted on a case-by-case basis for local law
enforcement and their partners. This program is being developed to assist in
dealing with persons at risk of radicalization to violence by any source or motive.


Q: When it will begin?

The RCMP has a longstanding relationship already established with the different
communities across Canada. The RCMP is currently in the development stage of
the program. The RCMP aims to have the CVE program established by the end of
this calendar year (2014). Over the coming months the tools and resources will
be finalized in concert with our partners.


Q: Will members of the RCMP work directly in de-radicalization?

While the core principles of this program are primarily to mobilize resources in
the pre-criminal space, it is being designed to have broader value in dealing with
vulnerable persons throughout the continuum of radicalization to violence. The
RCMP CVE program will consist of training and working with local law
enforcement, as well as domestic and international partners, with the aim of
preventing individuals from engaging in terrorist activity. Awareness, education,
and training are key components in the prevention strategy to build individual
and community resilience.


Q: What groups will the RCMP work with in achieving its goals?

In the development of this program the RCMP is working with Public Safety
Canada, and other federal and local partners to further engage appropriate
entities and various levels of government in the creation of a comprehensive
national CVE program, customized to the Canadian landscape.

Support resources will be determined on a case by case basis, with local law
enforcement, community partners, and with the families involved. Local
community partners would include, and is not limited to, experts in various
sectors: education, health, social services, community leaders and NGOs. As we
proceed with the design and implementation of this program with our partners,
the RCMP will communicate with, or advocate for collaboration with appropriate
sectors wherever specific needs are identified.


Q: Anything else that you might be able to say about the program?

The RCMP is committed to building trust with all of the communities it serves to
share mutual concerns and develop collective solutions. Similar to any successful
crime prevention strategy, community based policing and partnerships are
essential. Grassroots engagement will build trust, provide awareness of risks and
vulnerabilities, educate partners about resources available to assist individuals at
risk, and enhance the shared responsibility.

Given that the RCMP and Canadian law enforcement cannot solve this alone, this
CVE program consists of numerous partners at the community level. A key
component of the program will include educating Canadians on the role of law
enforcement and manage expectations of their mandate. In addition, the RCMPs
outreach and engagement activities are designed to help Canadian communities
and families see the indicators of vulnerability to violent extremism, and
understand the responsibilities they share with law enforcement in ensuring safe
homes and safe communities in Canada.