Canadian Forces Provost Marshal Annual Report 2022-2023

Message from the Canadian Forces Provost Marshal and Commander of the Canadian Forces Military Police Group

It is my privilege to present the Canadian Forces Provost Marshal (CFPM) Annual Report on Military Police (MP) activities in support of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the Department of National Defence (DND) for the period from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023. The MP have a diverse and complex mandate and this report will inform you about some of our achievements domestically and internationally in the past year. It also outlines the progress of various initiatives to modernize and advance MP support to the Defence Team.

This past year, the remaining provisions of an Act to amend the National Defence Act (NDA) and to make related and consequential amendments to other Acts (formerly known as Bill C-77) came into force, implementing the Declaration of Victims’ Rights, the Summary Hearing process, and other key changes to the Military Justice System. This included the authority for all credentialed MP employed in policing duties and functions, in addition to the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service (CFNIS), to lay service offence/infraction charges.

We strengthened the structure of the Office of the CFPM with the creation of a dedicated Deputy CFPM (DCFPM) position. This addition will also serve to lay the groundwork to support various recommendations from the Third Independent Review of the NDA aiming to "bolster" the independence of the MP. Work is ongoing to analyze the impacts of these recommendations, but the creation of a DCFPM position to address current challenges will also facilitate the future prospective reporting change of the CFPM from the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff to the Minister of National Defence as recommended by the Honourable Justice Fish in his review.

We continued to implement the interim recommendation of Mme Arbour by diligently referring criminal sexual offence cases to civilian police in a victim-centric and trauma-informed manner, a process which has been ongoing since December 2021. In doing so, our primary concern remains the support to the victim, therefore, MP coordination with the civilian police of concurrent jurisdiction is done in a deliberate manner, making every effort to minimize the impact on the victim.

1 September 2022 marked the 25^th anniversary of the CFNIS. This specialized unit, recipient of the Canadian Forces Unit Commendation in 2011 for excellence in the Afghanistan theatre of operations, providing critical investigative expertise for serious and sensitive matters, continues to exemplify its motto: "Excellence, Duty, Truth" while striving to learn, adjust and improve.

I was delighted with the appointment, by the Minister of National Defence (MND), of Colonel (Retired) Tim Grubb as the Colonel Commandant (Col Cmdt) of the Military Police Branch on 9 June 2022. The role of Col Cmdt is critical to the morale, traditions, and growth of any military organization. Colonel (Retired) Grubb is the first former CFPM to be appointed to this honorary position. His distinguished military service will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success of the Military Police Branch.

You will see that the Military Police vehicles got a new look! The new MP decal is featured on the cover page. I invite you to see the results of Canada’s Blue Line Best Dressed Patrol Vehicle for 2023 in this report."

As I reflect on the year 2022-2023, I am extremely proud of the members of our police service, civilian and military, who every day do great things for the DND/CAF. Their individual and collective contributions to the MP program are key to an effective Military Justice System and impacts the safety, readiness, and operational effectiveness of our Armed Forces. I thank them all for their service.

S. Trudeau
Brigadier-General
Canadian Forces Provost Marshal
Commander of the Canadian Forces Military Police Group

Message from the Canadian Forces Military Police Group Chief Warrant Officer

The past year brought about significant advancements and positive change even though the entire CAF experienced recruiting and retention challenges. Undeniably, the hard work and achievements that were accomplished by CF MP Gp members and civilian personnel enabled us to reach our strategic objectives in several areas.

Through working groups, we advanced Force Development (FD) objectives like the Next Generation MP Operational Dress (NGMPOD) with in-depth consultations at all levels of the MP Branch that resulted in an exhaustive and conclusive statement of deficiencies to provide to the Assistant Deputy Minister Materiel (ADM(Mat)). Similarly, the MP service pistol modernization initiative is well underway. A new approach to a MP mental health program is in development to adopt what has made a positive difference in similar programs.

Following the roll out of the new CAF doctrine: Ethos Trusted to Serve (digne de servir), we supported its promotion by conducting several town halls to strengthen the message on how we must take care of our members while accomplishing our main tasks. Emphasis was placed on leaders to become more involved at all levels of decision making, as this has a direct relation to retention and the overall accomplishments of our members.

Internationally, we continued important professional exchanges with our MP counterparts in Washington and participated in the NATO MP Chiefs’ Conference, which took place in Tbilisi, Georgia in September 2022. Several exchanges with other nations resulted in important Lessons Learnt from the Ukrainian MP Command and the 25^th MP Training unit during the beginning of the Russian conflict which helped support Ukrainian MP in the war against Russia. This year, the NATO MP Chiefs’ conference will take place in Bucharest, Romania.

I represented the MP Branch on the triennial CAF Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) extended council and have been part of the new MP Branch CWO selection along with the participation of CWO McCann, then Chief Professional Conduct and Culture (CPCC). I have been working jointly with the MP Branch CWO, Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Rouillard, for the upcoming posting season on senior Non-Commissioned member (NCM) talent management.

This past year, I heard from members at the unit level in their environment on a variety of topics including culture change, career advancements and evolution within our organization. I was impressed with the depth of discussions and the honesty and transparency of members.

It is not surprising to know that the centre of gravity for achieving our strategic objectives lies with the incredible devotion and dedication of our members. That said, this past year, several of our members were recognized for their excellence at home and on deployment. Honours and awards were received at all levels including nine CFPM Commendations.

In closing, I would like to first transmit a Bravo Zulu to all the nominees who were considered and convey my congratulations to this year’s recipients of MP of the Year award in the Regular and Reserve NCM and Senior NCM categories, as announced by the CFPM.

Mission, Vision, MP Values and Core Functions

Mission

The CF MP Gp provides professional policing, security, and detention services to the CAF and DND globally, across the full spectrum of military operations.

Vision

The CF MP Gp will generate and sustain a credible and professional MP force properly resourced and enabled to conduct operations in the joint, combined environment through the implementation of its assigned mission and core functions.

Values

MP are expected to conform to the standards established in the MP Professional Code of Conduct (MPPCC), which embraces the following values:

• Loyalty;
• Accountability;
• Integrity/Ethics;
• Competence; and
• Pride/Professionalism.

Core Functions

• Policing;
• Security;
• Detention; and
• Operational Support Tasks for Environmental Commanders.

Structure and Jurisdiction

Structure/Independence

The CFPM is appointed by the CDS and is the functional authority for MP within the CAF and the designated advisor to the CDS on policing matters. The person assigned to the position of the CFPM is also charged with the command of the CF MP Gp and exercises full command over all MP personnel independently from the CoC when performing police duties and functions.

The changes to the MP Command and Control structure in 2011 was a proactive measure by the CAF designed to strengthen the Military Justice System. This revised structure reinforces the independence and the authority of the CFPM in the exercise of the policing mandate.

In 2022, the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff (VCDS) approved the creation of a DCFPM position to address current challenges and facilitate the future reporting change of the CFPM.

The DCFPM oversees the office of the CFPM including identification of future policing challenges, producing policing policy, conducting oversight, and ensuring compliance and accountability. The officers in charge of Professional Standards, MP Analytics Program, MP Information Release Section, MP Public Affairs Section, and the CFPM Legal Services team report to this position.

The Deputy Commander (DComd) of the CF MP Gp oversees the day-to-day operations. All subordinate organizations report to this position.

Jurisdiction

The CF MP Gp is amongst the 10 largest police services in Canada and fulfills national policing responsibilities. MP routinely exercise their unique jurisdiction within Canada and all locations where the CAF are deployed around the world.

On operations outside Canada, MP enforce Canadian criminal and military law with respect to members of the CAF and other persons subject to the Code of Service Discipline (CSD). Within Canada, in many instances, MP share concurrent jurisdiction with civilian police.

In the enforcement of Canadian military and criminal laws, MP are peace officers and lawfully exercise jurisdiction over members of the CAF and over persons on defence establishments including civilians. As first responders, MP have a key and important leadership role in safeguarding our Bases and Wings.

Office of the Canadian Forces Provost Marshal

Professional Standards

The office of Professional Standards (PS) for the CFPM was established in 1997. This team of nine military and civilian personnel report directly to the DCFPM. The mandate of PS is to carry out administrative investigations in respect of conduct that is inconsistent with the professional standards applicable to MP or the MP Professional Code of Conduct (MPPCC). In doing so, PS continues to enforce accountability for credentialed MP. As with any civilian police force, the conduct of MP personnel is critical to maintaining the trust of those they serve.

PS also manages the MP Credentials Review Board (MPCRB) process. The MPCRB is convened, upon requirement, to deliberate any MP conduct which allegedly breaches the MPPCC and is serious enough to question the suitability of that MP to maintain their MP credentials. In FY 22-23, there were 18 referrals to the MPCRB. Great efforts continued this year to reduce the amount of pending MPCRB, resulting in 29 MPCRB being held. This fiscal year, PS received 63 complaints from the public about the conduct of MP. PS also opened 66 internal files which are reports from the MP CoC regarding MP actions which could be potential breaches of the MPPCC.

Military Police Analytics Program

Law enforcement agencies collect vast quantities of data in their response to incidents and the resulting search for answers through investigation. Data Management and Analytics (DMA) is focussed on the organization and analysis of this information, in such a way that it can support evidence-based decision making at all levels of the institution. The main driver of analytics is the Military Police Analytics Program (MPAP), which provides support to the MP and clients within the CAF, to the Department and to Government. The two most important deliverables are the Departmental Results Report (DRR) and the Statistics Canada (StatCan) Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Survey.

Military Police Legal Services

The Directorate of CFPM Legal Services (CFPM LS) has provided legal advice and service to the CFPM and the CF MP Gp in supporting the efficient and effective lawful conduct of policing operations, investigations, custody, mandated security tasks and professional standard responsibilities.

This included among others:

• ensuring the CF MP Gp was ready for the implementation of Bill C-77, An Act to Amend the National Defence Act and to Make Related and Consequential Amendments to Other Acts, which came into force on 20 June 2022.
• focusing on the implementation of the Third Independent Review of the National Defence Act recommendations and the Report of the Independent External Comprehensive Review by providing valued legal services to the Office of the CFPM and to the CF MP Gp;
• providing legal advice involving complex situations under the responsibility of PS;
• supporting MPCRB by providing legal advice throughout the MPCRB process;
• providing in-house professional development relating to criminal law and law of policing to staff of the Canadian Forces Military Police Academy (CFMPA), as well as a resource that was available to assist instruction of technical legal matters, and dedicated legal assistance to the training development process;
• fully supporting every MP operation where the assistance of CFPM LS was requested; and
• facilitating engagement of key stakeholders such as the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) Law Amendments Committee or Military Police Complaints Commission (MPCC), by providing support that enables strategic exchanges and aims to improve communications.

Over the next year, CFPM LS will pay particular attention to the implementation of anticipated transformations due to the independent reports tabled and the recent amendments to the National Defence Act in order to legally support CFPM and CF MP Gp in these important changes.

Highlights

Providing professional policing and security services to CAF operations -

Op LENTUS – Members of 30 MP Company in Atlantic Canada participated in security tasks following hurricane Fiona on September 24. The Minister of National Defence visited and met with CAF members of a wide range of trades.

Op IMPACT – Leveraging the experience and expertise of MP, we delivered world-class investigative interviewing technics and training to our security partners at Ali Salam Base in Kuwait.

Op IMPACT - Roto 6 group photo.

Security is an important pillar of post-conflict reconstruction, and cooperating with partner nations to enhance our combined military capabilities and competencies is one of the important ways that the CAF and MP are helping to increase the regional security and stability of the Middle East. The MP deployed a total of 28 personnel on Op IMPACT over the year.

Op REASSURANCE – MP members received their mission medal on parade in Latvia.

The MP deployed a total of 35 personnel in Latvia over the year.

MP Unit (MPU) patrollers from MPU Ottawa were among the first responders on scene on 21 May 2022 after a large weather system known as the “Derecho” passed through the NCR region devastating several neighborhoods.

Building Trust through Community Relation Programs

Again this year, MP partnered with other police forces in community programs such as Shop with a Cop which connects deserving students with a police officer for a safe and positive holiday shopping experience using donated gift cards. Another distinctive example is the RCMP’s, Police Week, where one of the objectives is to inspire youth. It was an excellent day in which many of the students were excited to see a MP patrol car.

Within the Defence community on bases and wing across Canada, MP promote safety habits and practices and award youth with an incentive to continue, with the Positive Ticket Program.

Partners within the policing community in Canada

On 12 April 2022, LCol Robert AKA, “Bobby” Wuskynyk, Commander of the Air Force Military Police Group was cheered on at 17 Wing Winnipeg as he represented the MP community. Having strong ties with the RCMP, "D" Division personally reached out and requested LCol Wuskynyk’s participation in the trial stage for future implementation of a new physical fitness evaluation.

MP regularly train with civilian police. MPU Halifax teamed up with the Halifax Regional Police (HPS) to qualify in Radio Detection and Ranging (RADAR) and Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR). These qualifications serve the military community, allowing MP to enforce speed limits across all defence establishments in CFB Halifax and 12 Wing Shearwater.

Following the reopening of public areas this year, the MP demonstrated their support to fallen Canadian police officers. MP participated in the 18^th Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Run 2022 and the 2022 National Canadian Police and Peace Officer Memorial Parade in Ottawa as well as ceremonies held across Canada.

The new MP patrol vehicle decal earned second place in Canada’s Blue Line Best Dressed Patrol Vehicle for 2023.

Under the modernization project, the new patrol vehicle decal is a result of an extensive consultation process involving input from members of the CF MP Gp. The new branding aims at better identifying MP patrol vehicles with a more modernized look and bilingual title.

Showcasing Specialized Military Police Capabilities

Embedding the CF MP Gp imagery technician (photographer) into the final exercise of the Close Protection Operative Course enabled action packed images to showcase how our MP train to provide this unique specialization to the CAF.

Additional, imagery was captured for the combat scenes of the newly combined Air Marshal and Tactical Aircraft Security Officer qualifications to Aircraft Security Officer.

Promoting Reserve Force Employment

Action filled posts in the field specifically during EX WARFIGHTER and EX MAROON RAIDER generated a significant increase in awareness for CAF part-time jobs as field MP members.

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Military Police Strategic Plan 2019-2024

At the end of fiscal year 2018-2019, the CFPM, put in place a five-year strategic plan to be executed from 2019 to 2024. The purpose of the plan is to outline the major initiatives that will be implemented to ensure a healthy and well-balanced force that can deliver an efficient and effective MP program within DND/CAF.

The MP Strategic Plan 2019-2024 continues to provide a solid foundation to guide the current and future priorities of the CF MP Gp. During fiscal year 23/24, we will see the development of the next Strategic Plan 2024-2029 which will build on the success of the 2019-2024 Strategic Plan.

Update on the Five Main Priorities in the Strategic Plan

1. Domestic Policing and Force Structure

Over the past several years, the CF MP Gp studied how to right-size domestic policing across all DND locations. These studies endeavored to ensure that the appropriate MP personnel resources are assigned to each of the 30 MP Guardhouses across the country. Previous studies recommended three-sized guardhouse models based on factors such as historic policing requirements, police files (General Occurrences), detachment population and several other data points.

Throughout early 2022, work continued to develop a Master Implementation Plan (MIP) to effect the wide-reaching recommendations of the Domestic Police Establishment Project (DPEP). With the MIP approved in spring 2022, a soft-launch of DPEP-supported postings took place in Active Posting Season (APS) 2022 focusing on the newly graduated entry level MP students and the regularly scheduled postings for that summer.

The main effort for 2023 centers on the vast administrative efforts required to properly integrate DPEP. Comprising thousands of Establishment Change Requests (ECR), this staff undertaking will ensure the Guardian Human Resources Management System (HRMS) reflects the positional end state of DPEP effective 1 April 2024. Gradual realignment of personnel requirements and postings will be executed over multiple APS until fully implemented.

In addition to standardized and equitably resourced guardhouses, the DPEP MIP offers the CF MP Gp several administrative improvements, including a common architecture for real property projects, a means of forecasting materiel demands, a tool assisting career managers and branch advisors in determining postings, assisting MP Operations staff in assigning tasks across the entire group and providing the Commander (Comd) CF MP Gp flexibility in assigning personnel resources among the group.

2. Health and Wellness of the Force

The MP “Balance” has been fully migrated to the Defence Learning Network 3.0 in both official languages. This tool permits MP members to access job tailored workout, nutrition, sleep, and injury prevention information and programs that meet the demanding needs of patrol work. This is the first step in aligning the MP with the CAF total health and wellness strategy. The health and wellness committee participated in several national police forums on health, wellness, and authentic inclusivity which ensures the MP Branch is leading on evolving our culture.

3. Data Management and Analytics

Fiscal year 2022-23 saw continued efforts by the MPAP to maintain the high standard of General Occurrence data to support performance reporting and decision making. Over the past year MPAP has expanded their relationship with Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC), utilizing their expertise with the development of additional performance metrics. Specifically, CF MP Gp requested support in three areas: computer-aided dispatch (CAD) data, intersectionality data collection and public impressions of the MP.

Of particular importance to the CFPM is ensuring that the institution has the best data available about the people with whom MP interact, and how the general DND/CAF population feels about the quality of service offered by MP. In the next year, the Director General Military Personnel Research and Analysis (DGMPRA) will help collect this data. These initiatives will be used to help identify and understand bias, improve outcomes and reinforce public accountability.

The MPAP also continues to provide ad hoc reporting in support of various departmental initiatives, such as data on family violence to support education of leadership and mitigation efforts.

4. MP Reserve Optimization

The MP Reserve is comprised of four close support MP Companies (11 Reserve MP Platoons located in Canada’s major urban centres) under command of the four MP Regiments that comprise the Army Military Police Group, and one general support MP Company under command of CF MP Gp HQ.

Over the last decade, it has become apparent that the Reserve MP training model and an inconsistent assignment of mission and tasks have led to reduced operational output. Concurrent to this realization, the CF MP Gp has had to react to the CAF’s strategic initiatives of Force Mix Structural Design (FMSD), and most importantly the Strong, Secure, Engaged (SSE) Defence policy by way of implementing a plan focused on the integration of the MP Reserve Force. This led to the development of Op UNITY.

The CF MP Gp is entering the third year of Op UNITY, a six-year undertaking to leverage the MP Reserves for the purpose of institutionalizing a permanent Close Support MP capability across the full spectrum of operations both domestically and abroad. This undertaking will address a significant transformation of the individual training that Reserve MP will receive in addition to a deliberate focused approach to assessing, measuring, and validating collective close support MP capability. It will have a transformative effect upon how the CF MP Gp trains for the purpose of executing its non-law enforcement tasks for the CAF’s supported commanders. Due to the impact of COVID-19 Op UNITY was extended by one year.

The future of the MP Reserve will be completely in line with the CDS strategic intent in that the CF MP Gp will ensure it is fully capable of providing “full time capability through part-time service” as stated in the SSE.

5. Modernization of MP Equipment and Technology through Force Development

The CF MP Gp continued to hone its capacity to identify, conceptualize and implement necessary changes to existing capabilities and developing new capabilities through Force Development (FD). Investment in personnel trained as Army Technical Staff Officers and Warrant Officers, in concert with strategic-level governance through the Capability Development Committee, continued to ensure that FD was an integral part of the CF MP Gp business planning and operational planning cycles balancing MP needs with resource allocation.

While FD is concerned with all aspects of capability development including doctrine and training, MP equipment needs are divided into four major categories:

1. Soldier Systems – all kits carried by the MP, from the uniforms they wear, to their Use of Force (UoF) accoutrements;
2. Mobility – refers to transport and other vehicle-borne systems;
3. Command, Control, Communications, Computers (C4) – includes all systems related to enhancing situational awareness and command and control through tactical communications, and the management of information and other digital assets; and
4. Infrastructure – comprises the static buildings, facilities and other permanent installations required to support MP capabilities.

I. Soldier Systems

MP Service Pistol Modernization – The CF MP Gp will seek to leverage the initial contract recently awarded to Sig Sauer by the Department of National Defence to field up to 3200 C24 variants of the Canadian Army’s new C22 full frame service pistol over the 2023/24 and 2024/25 Fiscal Years (FY). From ergonomic and human form factor testing with MP personnel, the carry and compact frame C24 were found to be the logical evolution from the in-service fleet of P225 and P226 pistols, ideally suited to both front-line policing, and specialist service requirements.

Next Generation MP Operational Dress (NGMPOD) – With the desired end-state of replacing the current Operational Patrol Dress (OPD) unchanged for over two decades, it was determined that moving to a single multi-purpose uniform, leveraging the Canadian Army (CA) Soldier Operational Clothing and Equipment Modernization (SOCEM) to be used across all functional employment areas, is the optimal solution. This will permit a common look and feel for all employment situations and improve MP recognition as Military Police for all stakeholders. This year, the CF MP Gp delivered the Statement of Requirements (SOR) necessary to see MP specific clothing requirements included within the SOCEM, which is anticipated to come to fruition in 2028. In the near term, the CF MP Gp will work with the Director Soldier Systems Program Management to develop options that enable transition to a single uniform while addressing issues with the current suite of OPD.

Enhanced Soft Body Armour (ESBA) – Incorporating modular lightweight load-carrying equipment webbing, improved visual identification and the capacity to insert ballistic plates, MP ESBA made significant strides towards improving member safety in comparison to former soft body armour. Delivered in sufficient quantity during the last FY to equip MP personnel, the CF MP Gp will address residual issues such as procurement or fabrication of ballistic plates for small ESBA in partnership with Defence Research and Development Canada.

Conducted Energy Weapons (CEW) – Affording MP additional intermediate non-lethal means to subdue and restrain combative and assaultive subjects, the CEW capability reached Initial Operational Capability over the 2021/22 FY. Having refined doctrinal, training and sustainment requirements in FY 2022/23, the CF MP Gp will work towards Final Operational Capability through the submission and publication of Lessons Learned that will no doubt influence delivery of the modernized MP service pistol in the near future.

Frangible Training Ammunition (FTA) – Designed to disintegrate on impact with hard targets, frangible training ammunition is ideal for indoor ranges and close-quarter battle training by virtue of lead-free construction with reduced risk of over-penetration and injury from ricochet. In consultation with specialist stakeholders within the CF MP Gp, the FD team is contributing to the joint SOR that will see delivery of FTA over the 2023/24 FY.

II. Mobility

MP Identification and Branding – Awarded the second “Best Dressed Police Vehicle” of 2023 by Blue Line magazine, the CF MP Gp made considerable progress towards making the MP readily identifiable to the defence community and public it serves. The MP’s new look was developed in consultation with our front-line end-users and employs 3M reflective accents in the vehicle’s vinyl wrap, enhances the word ‘police’ and single number ‘911’ for emergency services, and is visible day or night. (Photo#)

“Greening” the Fleet – Through the wider DND initiative to reduce our carbon footprint, the CF MP Gp continues to employ hybrid alternatives to fossil fuel for administrative vehicles. Work is ongoing, including in communication with civilian policing partners to learn from their trials and evaluations of electric patrol vehicles. Although onboard power requirements and the frigid cold temperatures of the domestic operating environment prohibit a wholly electric platform for emergency response vehicles at this time, opportunities will present themselves as the technology improves. To this end, the CF MP Gp will plan for infrastructure such as electric charging stations to support its growing fleet of electric vehicles.

III. Command, Control, Communications, Computers (C4)

Digital Information Strategy – The CF MP Gp will conduct a thorough options analysis to bridge the gap from where we are now, to where we need to be to meet the end state of the CFPM’s digital information vision. Areas that may be exploited to enhance readiness include: consolidation of Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP); digitization of evidence management and interview capabilities; digitizing the tools available to frontline MP; and enabling access to our systems of record by defence partners to enable their decision making processes.

Next Generation 911 (NG911) – Following Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission direction that emergency dispatch transition to internet protocol based systems by March 2025, the CF MP Gp has worked with stakeholders such as the Assistant Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Environment (ADM(IE)), the Strategic Joint Staff (SJS) and the Canadian Forces Fire Marshal (CFFM), to assess the requirement to equip our detachments with the hardware and software necessary to accept the transfer of digital information from primary PSAP. Enabling the communication of text, photos, videos, and GPS location in addition to voice to first responders such as the MP, would improve our situational awareness and response times, while creating redundancy and resiliency during times of crisis.

IV. Infrastructure

Canadian Forces Protective Services Unit (CFPSU) Expansion – Authorized to staffing levels beyond its current capacity, the CFPSU is seeking to increase office, transport, storage, and training facilities, over the next several years. While Real Property Operations conducts a feasibility study and begins construction of a new weapons vault over the 2023/24 FY, satellite locations for excess staff within the National Capital Region are under assessment for suitability.

Training Simulator – CFMPA took possession of the VirTra fixed site simulator during the 2022/23 FY. While Initial Cadre Training is underway, the system will, at Full Operational Capability, create simulated environments for training marksmanship, Use of Force (UoF) judgement, de-escalation/communication, and recertification. The CF MP Gp will remain postured to sustain the VirTra system over time, and pending review of simulated training, assess the procurement of additional mobile simulators.

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Recruitment and Retention Initiatives

As an initiative to generate a deeper level of awareness of MP Occupations, the MP selection team has initiated coordinated attraction events with national police foundations and law and securities programs. The aim is to integrate into the currently established graduating class career days as a means of increasing visibility of the MP Branch within the labour market. Additionally, to leverage interest, there has been coordinated effort with the Canadian Forces Recruiting Group (CFRG) to greatly reduce the applicant processing times. Further, in recognition of labour market realities, the MP occupation has sought a recruiting incentive for direct entry applicants who possess a Police Foundations/Law and Securities diploma from a recognized Canadian institution. This is to place the MP as a competitive choice for those seeking to pursue law enforcement as a career choice.

Retention is also a key element in ensuring the MP have the personnel to deliver the mandate assigned to them. Significant resources have been placed to support research and guided focus groups nationally to fully explore the deeper issues influencing release within the MP. The intent is to identify key issues and, using a data driven approach, establish a plan to influence and improve key areas identified. Fundamentally, it is recognized that early and meaningful engagement from leadership at all levels is needed to better influence and understand the factors contributing to unplanned releases to reduce their occurrence and impact.

Training Update

In September 2020, the CAF issued an updated MP Military Employment Structure Implementation Plan (MESIP). The new MESIP included significant updates to Regular Force (RegF) and Primary Reserve (PRes) MP and MPO job descriptions, occupation specifications, master task lists, and career progression requirements. In response to that, the CF MP Gp Designated Training Authority (DTA) needed to incorporate significant updates to the suite of MP Branch training programs. Key achievements in 2022 were the release / approval of: Reg Force Private Rank Qualification (Pvt RQ) course (formerly Qualification 3), MP Mentorship Program (MP2), the Close Support MP course (CS MP) and the MP Soldier Qualification (MP SQ).

Reg Force Pte RQ. The aim of this program is to prepare MPs for entry level employment within the MP occupation. During this training program completed at CFMPA, junior MPs are trained on the fundamental core policing topics including: MP patrols on DND establishments, responding to emergency or critical incidents, general criminal and service offence investigations, general policing procedures (e.g. arrest procedures, interviewing strategies, policing administrative processes), and enforcing CAF physical and personnel security policies. The RQ Pte program has also been modernized to include content on: CEW handling, updates based on recent Bill C-77 changes, Trauma Informed Approaches to Policing, and “victim-centric” policing models.

MP Mentorship Program (MP2). The MP2 is designed to make Jr MP Patrollers feel empowered, competent, and ready to police with increased confidence. The intent is to establish a formal, structured, on-the-job, professional development program for junior MP Patrollers. The MP2 will provide junior MPs direct supervision and guidance from an experienced MP Coach Officer; as they put into practice, in an operational policing environment, the MP Pte RQ training they received while at CFMPA. Upon successful completion of the MP2, Jr MP Patrollers will continue responding to calls for service, but with the additional experience and confidence that will enhance their overall effectiveness within the MP team.

Close Support MP Course (CS MP). The intent of this program is two-fold: to meet the basic occupational requirements of Primary Reserve MPs that are employed primarily in a “Field MP” capacity, in support of Op UNITY. Additionally, this course meets Regular Force Field MP Unit specialty requirements for MPs posted to an MP Field Regiment. In either case, this qualification serves as a basis for a robust and wide-ranging land-based domestic response across Canada, and internationally. Specifically, the CS course prepares MPs for the primary responsibility of support to CAF operations with policing, security, mobility, and detention services when deployed on operations.

MP SQ. In 2021, the Canadian Army removed the requirement for combat support occupations to complete Basic Military Qualification-Land (BMQ-L) during Development Period One (DP1), including the MP occupation. That decision left the CF MP Gp to identify MP specific DP1 environmental training requirements in the NCM General, environmental, and occupation specifications. MP SQ was developed to meet those MP environmental training requirements for Primary Reserve and Regular Force MP personnel as part of the requirement to achieve Occupational Functional Point (OFP) within the MP trade. The MP SQ course provides a basic foundation for MPs to operate in a land-centric environment, either domestic or foreign. The course serves as the basis for a robust and wide-ranging land-based close support capability. It also provides the basic foundation for further unique, MP specific, field-related employment at a Field MP Unit, and training (i.e. the Close Support MP course).

The first session of MP SQ was delivered at CFMPA 13 – 27 April 2023, 24 trainees successfully completed the program and are now prepared for future training and employment challenges within the MP Branch.

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Sexual Assault Review Program 2022 – SARP 2022

In 2017, the CFPM tasked the Commanding Officer of the CFNIS to develop and implement an external review program with the responsibility to conduct full case reviews of all MP sexual assault investigations coded as unfounded under the Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics (CCJS) coding scheme at the time.

In December 2018 the MP Sexual Assault Review Program (SARP) launched its external review of unfounded MP case files that were investigated from 2010 to 2018. The review consisted of two sessions, conducted in December 2018 and May 2019, in which 126 unfounded cases up to 2018 were examined.

The results of this review were published Canadian Forces Military Police reports results from the Sexual Assault Review Program case review

In 2022, from 25 to 29 April 2022, a new External Review Team (ERT) was assembled to conduct a subsequent review of unfounded MP sexual assault investigations that were conducted post completion of the reviews in 2018/19.

The team was comprised of members from the following organizations:

1. CF Health Services
2. Sexual Misconduct Response Centre (SMRC)
3. Crown Attorney's Office
4. Ottawa Victim Services (OVS)
5. Ottawa Police Service (OPS)
6. Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)

Following a full review of the ERT observations and recommendations, the CFNIS proposed corrective action for each of the 17 x files reviewed.

The files identified for re-coding either by the ERT or the CFNIS will be re-coded accordingly and an articulation of the re-coding will be included in the case file in the Security and MP Information System (SAMPIS).

Update on the Transfer of Criminal Sexual Offences to Civilian Police

The CFPM accepted Mme Arbour’s interim recommendation to refer and transfer sexual assault and other criminal offences of a sexual nature under the Criminal Code in November of 2021.

Since this time, MP have been working diligently towards the implementation of this recommendation in a victim-centric manner and have been ccoordinating with civilian police agencies throughout Canada.

MP continue to work with civilian police partners across the country. Most recently, in March of 2023, the Office of the CFPM worked closely with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) to implement a means for the referral of criminal offences of a sexual nature between these two organizations, similar to the work already done with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Sûreté du Québec (SQ), and other police partners across Canada.

For calendar year 2022, the MP received 145 reports of sexual offences. Of these reports, 95 remained with the MP, while 50 were referred to and accepted by civilian police.

^*Various reasons exist as to why cases are not referred which include allegations that occurred outside the country, cases where the victim does not want to proceed with a police investigation and cases where the victim prefers an MP investigation.

As we continue to implement the interim recommendation of Mme Arbour our primary concern remains the support to the victim, therefore MP coordination with the civilian police of concurrent jurisdiction is done in a deliberate manner, making every effort to minimize the impact on the victim.

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Annex A: Incident Statistics

As reported in last year’s Annual Report, substantial effort has been expended to improve the quality of data. This process continues as part of the Statistics Canada Uniform Crime Reporting Survey. In addition, changes to the survey occasionally recategorize crime, and due to the volume of incidents, it is not always possible to update old data to reflect new categorizations.

The data contained in this report is based on the data available on 14 April 2023, in SAMPIS. As investigations continue to mature, these data will be updated to reflect new information and outcomes. Consequently, minor variations are to be expected when comparing numbers over time, in particular concerning investigations opened towards the end of 2022. Data from 2018 through 2020 have been updated to reflect current methodologies, and figures may vary slightly from past Annual Reports.

Unless otherwise stated, the numbers and analysis presented includes only files in which MP were the sole or lead investigating agency. These figures exclude joint investigations where another agency is the lead, or shadow files. Shadow files are MP incident reports documenting when CAF members are arrested by civilian police and the matter is brought to the attention of MP. Shadow file reports are generated to inform the CAF CoC of incidents involving their members.

These data provide details on the number of reported incidents, the number of founded incidents and the number of cleared incidents. Definitions for each of these categories are contained at the end of the annex. Although an incident may be cleared by charges, these data do not include the outcomes of judicial processes.

Length of Investigation. New for this year’s report is an analysis on the length of time to clear investigations into sexual misconduct. This is part of recommendation 29 from the Third Independent Review of the National Defence Act to publish data on the length of time to clear investigations. Data of this nature on sexual misconduct was previously provided to the Independent External Comprehensive Review, and a methodology currently exists. Further analysis is required to aggregate incident types before data can be provided on other types of investigations.

The data provided reports on incidents by year of report, and expresses the length of investigations by the minimum, maximum, median (middle) and mean (average). These figures should be compared longitudinally (over time) and viewed in conjunction with the number of calls for service, the number of founded investigations, and any available human resource data, to understand variation over time. It is not possible to compare a single investigation to these figures, as no two investigations are identical, and each is liable to have unique investigative steps. Finally, no police agency has been identified as sharing this data. As a result, no comparisons or inferences can be drawn.

Rep. – Incidents Reported

Fnd. – Incidents Founded

Weight Clear – Weigted Clearance Rate (score out of 100)

* Information not published due to the small number of incidents. These values are incorporated into the subtotals for the year, type and grand total.

SA – Sexual Assault

SC – Sexual Crimes Against Children

OT – Other sexual crimes, e.g., voyeurism, sharing intimate images.

HI – Historical Incidents occurring prior to 4 January 1983

Note: An investigation may involve one or more of the above flags, and the total number of incidents may be less than the sum of each individual flag

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Definitions. The following definitions apply to the statistical analysis of incidents.

Calls for Service

Incidents reported to the Military Police, by telephone or in person reporting to a Military Police Unit, Detachment or CFNIS Regional Office.

Charged/Subject Chargeable (CSC)

A subject who has been charged, or where police have sufficient grounds to lay a charge against the identified individual in connection with the reported incident.

Cleared

An incident is considered cleared when a CSC has been identified in connection with the incident. Files may be cleared by charge, or cleared otherwise.

Cleared by Charge

An incident is cleared by charge when police lay a charge, or in cases where police recommend charges in provinces or situations where Crown charge approval is required (e.g., BC, QC, NB).

Cleared Otherwise

An incident is cleared otherwise when police have sufficient grounds to charge a CSC in connection with the incident, however, police do not lay a charge. Reasons may be discretionary (e.g., diversion), or they may be outside police control (e.g., death of accused).

Field Inquiry

A field inquiry refers to field inquiries made by police, formerly reported as “street checks.” Though the records management system still refers to them as street checks, the terminology will be updated in future versions as the term “street check” has become synonymous with “carding.” A street check is a type of self-directed or police-initiated activity. Military Police do not engage in the controversial practice known as carding.

Founded Incident

An incident is presumed founded, unless it has been deemed frivolous, vexatious or a determination that it is unfounded has been made.

General Occurrence

The predominant type of Military Police report. Incidents to which MP respond and investigate are recorded as General Occurrences.

Unfounded

It has been determined through police investigation that the offence reported did not occur, nor was it attempted.
This designation requires a positive determination based on evidence that shows that the incident did not occur, rather than simply an absence of proof that it did occur.

Weighted Clearance Rate

The weighted clearance rate is the total number of cleared incidents multiplied by their respective weights, divided by the number of founded incidents multiplied by their respective weights. This results in a score out of 100. This score is not a percentage, because not all incidents are equally weighted.
(Incidents cleared by charge + Incidents cleared otherwise) x Weight
Total Founded Incidents x Weight

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Annex B: The Military Police in Numbers

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