Difference Between CSIS and RCMP

CSIS vs RCMP

“CSIS” is Canadian Security Intelligence Service, and “RCMP” is Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Both the CSIS and the RCMP were a single unit until 1984. The CSIS was carved out of the RCMP based on the recommendations of the McDonald’s Commission. This was done as the commission had pointed out that intelligence gathering was quite different from policing.

Canadian Security Intelligence Service is Canada’s national intelligence agency. The CSIS is responsible for analysing and disseminating intelligence reports on the threat to the country’s security. It also conducts both covert and overt operations within the country and abroad. The diplomatic missions abroad have CSIS Security Liaison Officers whose duty is to collect information from security intelligence agencies, foreign police services, and other sources.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police was formed in 1920 after the merger of the Royal Northwest Mounted Police and the Dominion Police. The RCMP handles all the internal policing services in the country as well as renders service in three territories and eight provinces.

There are also differences in the organizational structure between the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and Royal Canadian Mounted Police. At the top of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is the Commissioner under whom there are several deputy commissioners. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police is divided into 15 divisions, and each division is headed by a commanding officer.
At the top of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service is the Director who is assisted by deputy directors. Below them are the Assistant Directors, Chief Audit Executive, Chief Information Officer and Chief Financial Officer.
When looking at the strength of the two forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have more personnel than the Canadian Security Intelligence Service.
Summary:

1.“CSIS” is Canadian Security Intelligence service and “RCMP” is Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
2.The CSIS was carved out of the RCMP in 1984 based on the recommendations of the McDonald’s Commission.
3.The Royal Canadian Mounted Police was formed in 1920 after the merger of the Royal Northwest Mounted Police and the Dominion Police.
4.The CSIS is responsible for analysing and disseminating intelligence reports on the threat to the country’s security. It also conducts both covert and overt operations within the country and abroad.
5.The RCMP handles all the internal policing service in the country as well as renders service in three territories and eight provinces.
6.At the top of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is the Commissioner under whom there are several deputy commissioners. At the top of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service is the Director who is assisted by deputy directors.