RCMP Members’ reflections remind us that policing is not only a profession— but a responsibility carried out by real people, doing real work, to help others feel seen, safe, and supported.
TRIGGER WARNING: This blog contains real stories from RCMP Members and includes content that may be distressing to some readers. Topics include mental health struggles, abuse, and suicide. Please take care while reading.
If you or someone you know is thinking about self-harm or suicide, call or text 9-8-8. Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Visit the Government of Canada’s website for more information and additional resources.
There when it matters most
Some of the most powerful memories Members carry come from moments that unfold outside of regular hours—when there’s no backup nearby, no time to prepare, and no question about what needs to be done. In those instances, instinct, compassion, and training take over.
“I was posted in an isolated First Nations community in 2024, where the population was approximately 300 people. In such postings, 24-hour policing doesn’t exist, and Members are often on call either before or after their shift, and sometimes on their days off.
I happened to be off duty that day, and I had the habit of keeping my radio on, as serious calls have come in before, and I have learned that saving those few minutes it takes for dispatch to call you can make a difference. On that particular day, I was at home and heard a call regarding a suicidal female. The other Member on duty was in the other community at the time (72 km on a logging road). I quickly geared up and acknowledged that I would attend the call before the dispatcher could even advise the other Member they would be calling me out.
When I attended the scene, the subject—a young high school girl—was already purplish in the face, as she had tied the noose so tightly around her neck that the blood began to swell in her face. I was able to lift her up to relieve some of the pressure before cutting the tightly tied knot around her neck.
At the medical clinic, I stayed with her for several hours and had a great conversation with her, trying to inspire her to be the best version of herself. We ended up having such a good chat that since that incident, every time I see her in the community, she has the biggest smile on her face and goes out of her way to say hello to me.
I am happy that I was where I was at the time and attended in time to help her in her lowest moment.”
— Cst. Nicholas Tam (British Columbia)
A moment that changed everything
What begins as a routine stop can become a defining moment. It’s not always the severity of the incident that stays with Members—but the connection, the humanity, and the chance to make a lasting difference.
“I joined the RCMP in 2014 and was originally posted in Nova Scotia in Port Hawkesbury right out of Depot. I originally joined the RCMP to better myself and to help those people I serve, and this one traffic stop I conducted one sunny afternoon showed me I was doing the right thing.
I had stopped this car for speeding while it was coming into Port Hawkesbury and there was a young woman driving with a child in the backseat. When I approached the female driver, she was quite upset and distraught—more than one would expect for being stopped for speeding. It was not until after speaking with her for several minutes that she finally opened up that she had driven all the way from Annapolis Valley (a more than 4-hour drive) with her child to get away from her very abusive boyfriend. She told me she had not stopped anywhere along the route, was very tired, and did not remember half of the drive.
Once I heard her story, the whole initial reason for the traffic stop went out the window, as I was determined to help this young woman get to a better place and make sure both she and her child were safe. I think I was at the traffic stop with her for close to an hour, hearing her story and trying to convince her that giving a statement was the best thing for her and that no one has the right to hurt her or her child in any way. She did eventually give a statement, and the boyfriend was charged with domestic abuse.
From this one interaction I knew what I was doing was the correct career path for me, as I was determined to help this young woman in any way I could, and in turn, it helped me become a better Member in talking with people and being compassionate. To this young woman, this might have been only a single interaction with an RCMP officer, but she will never know what profound impact she had on me and how I now interact with people in any situation—especially domestic situations.
I am now posted in my home province of Newfoundland and have had many other interactions with people since this incident, but this one I will never forget, as it shows me how a normal day can turn into something completely different, and that a simple traffic stop can change your outlook on everything. I still believe to this day that the young female was speeding for a reason and subconsciously wanted to be stopped so she could be heard and get help. I am certainly grateful I was the one to find her, as it made me grow as a Member and a person from that day forward.”
— Cst. Bradley Layman (Nova Scotia)
Building trust, one connection at a time
The relationship between police and community can be complex—especially in places where trust has been historically broken. For Members working in Indigenous or First Nation communities, every interaction holds the potential to build trust.
“I have been a member of Indigenous Policing Services in Burns Lake. One of the highlights of my career is interacting with youth and bringing the children from the local community of Lake Babine Nation to the detachment to tour them around.
I love showing them the work that I do and where I plan events. I let them sit in my seat and pretend they are a police officer. The kids love getting stickers and doing their fingerprints.
One memorable event is one where I had to attend a child’s house for a report of a family member fighting with another. I attended the scene with another RCMP Member, and it was a tense situation. The child, who was in the house, immediately recognized me as someone who had gone to his school to do a visit, and you could just see the sadness vanish from his face. Having someone so familiar like myself attend his home when the situation was tough immediately calmed him down.
I like doing my detachment tours because not only does it allow me to show the children of the local Indigenous communities how we work and operate, but also shows them that we are just people too!”
— Cst. Khalil Nanji (British Columbia)
Thank you, RCMP Members
From isolated communities to unexpected conversations, these reflections show the heart behind the uniform. The RCMP is made up of exceptional people like you—each with stories, experiences, and a desire to serve with compassion and integrity.
This National Police Week, we thank the Members who shared their stories, and all those across Canada who continue to show up for their communities, day in and day out.
This blog was developed in celebration of National Police Week 2025
National Police Week takes place in May each year and is an opportunity for Canadians to come together to recognize RCMP Members who serve with compassion, courage, and commitment—often in ways the public never see.
Earlier this week, we posted a blog featuring stories from people across the country. Today, we’re sharing stories directly from Members themselves. These deeply personal reflections—from remote First Nations and Indigenous communities to roadside stops—offer a powerful look at the everyday and extraordinary impact of police service in Canada.
Do you have a story to share about your experience as an RCMP Member? Email us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you.