SWIFT CURRENT, Sask. — Canadians will notice changes to Royal Canadian Mounted Police uniforms, equipment and patrol vehicles as the force rolls out new navy-blue shirts, service pistols and redesigned police vehicles across the country.
According to Paul Northcott, a media relations officer with the RCMP, the changes are part of a broader modernization effort aimed at enhancing officer safety, improving operational effectiveness and ensuring the force can meet the evolving needs of the communities it serves.
One of the most visible changes is the introduction of a new navy-blue operational shirt. Northcott said the shirt was developed in response to feedback from front-line officers and operational requirements. Made from moisture-wicking and antibacterial materials, the new shirt is designed to provide greater comfort and accommodate a wider range of body types, including a female-specific fit.
The shirts are being rolled out in phases across the country, meaning the public may continue to see officers wearing either the traditional grey shirt or the new navy-blue version during the transition period, he said.
The RCMP is also replacing its current service pistol with the Glock 45 MOS 7. Northcott said training on the new firearm began in 2026, and the rollout will continue over the next 24 to 36 months, with front-line policing operations receiving priority.
He said the new sidearm is part of the RCMP's ongoing equipment modernization efforts and is intended to provide officers with a modern, reliable firearm that supports both operational effectiveness and officer safety.
Motorists may also notice a new look for RCMP vehicles. According to Northcott, the force is updating the appearance of its front-line police vehicles for the first time in more than 30 years.
The redesigned vehicles feature white doors on a black base with high-visibility reflective markings. Northcott said the new design is intended to improve visibility and recognition in all conditions while maintaining a distinctive and recognizable police presence.
The transition will occur through the RCMP's regular fleet replacement program. Existing vehicles will remain in service until they meet replacement criteria, resulting in both the current and redesigned vehicles operating in communities across Canada during the phased rollout.
Northcott said the updated markings are designed to help RCMP vehicles stand out from non-police vehicles. He added that anyone unsure whether a vehicle or individual is a legitimate RCMP officer can contact their local detachment to verify a vehicle number, licence plate, officer's name or badge number. In an emergency, members of the public should call 911 or their local emergency number.
The modernization initiatives are intended to ensure the RCMP continues to meet the service standards Canadians expect while adapting to the changing demands of modern policing, Northcott said.
