The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is Canada's national police service, serving as the federal police force and also providing provincial policing in eight provinces and local policing in many municipalities under contract. The RCMP investigates federal crimes (drug trafficking, organized crime, national security, border issues) and, through contract policing, handles provincial and municipal law enforcement outside Ontario and Quebec. The iconic red serge uniform and image of Mounties on horseback are Canadian cultural symbols. The RCMP was formed in 1873 to bring law to the western frontier. Headquartered in Ottawa, the RCMP is organized into divisions across Canada with over 30,000 employees.