Canadian Border Security (CBSA) Practice Exam

Who is the head of the RCMP?

1. The Minister of Public Safety

2. The Commissioner

3. The Chief Constable

4. The Governor General

The correct answer is: The Commissioner

The head of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is the Commissioner, who is responsible for the overall leadership and direction of the force. The Commissioner is a senior law enforcement official and plays a vital role in ensuring that the RCMP operates effectively and fulfills its mandates, which include enforcement of federal laws, maintaining peace, and ensuring public safety across Canada. The Commissioner is appointed by the government and reports to the Minister of Public Safety, but holds the distinct operational leadership position within the RCMP. This position encompasses a range of responsibilities, including managing personnel, developing policies, and representing the RCMP at national and international levels. In contrast, the Minister of Public Safety oversees the broader portfolio of public safety within the government but does not assume direct operational control of the RCMP. The terms Chief Constable and Governor General refer to other policing roles and governmental positions within Canadian governance and law enforcement, respectively, and do not pertain to the senior command structure of the RCMP.