Canadian law enforcement agencies, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), provincial, and municipal police forces, utilize a variety of firearms to fulfill their duties. These tools range from handguns typically carried by officers on patrol to rifles and less-lethal options deployed in specific situations. Common examples include the Smith & Wesson M&P, Glock pistols, and carbines like the Colt Canada C8.
Effective policing requires officers to be equipped to address a spectrum of threats and maintain public safety. Firearm selection and training are therefore critical components of law enforcement operations. The specific firearms authorized for use are determined based on factors like the agency’s mandate, operational environment, and the evolving nature of criminal activity. The history of police firearms in Canada reflects a continuous adaptation to these factors.