Policing the Plains

A vivid portrait of the early Royal North‑West Mounted Police comes to life in this richly illustrated account. Drawing on firsthand recollections and archival material, the author traces the force’s first forty years of patrolling the rugged Canadian frontier, highlighting their reputation for fairness, bravery and a steadfast commitment to law without resorting to force except when absolutely necessary. The narrative sets the scene beneath the aurora‑lit skies of the Peace River country, where the author first promised to share the stories that have shaped a national legend.

Through detailed anecdotes about horse thieves, dog‑trained patrols, and encounters with Indigenous peoples, readers glimpse the daily challenges and heroic deeds that forged the Mounted Police’s enduring legacy. The book also captures the transition from “North‑West” to “Canadian,” marking a pivotal moment when the force’s jurisdiction expanded across the entire Dominion. It offers a compelling glimpse into the values and traditions that continue to inspire today’s law‑enforcement officers.