The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), commonly called the Mounties, is Canada's national police service. The RCMP serves multiple roles: federal policing (investigating crimes under federal laws like drug trafficking, organized crime, and border security), contract provincial policing in eight provinces and three territories, and contract municipal policing in many communities. The distinctive red serge dress uniform is a Canadian cultural icon. The RCMP was established in 1873 as the North-West Mounted Police to bring law to western Canada. While respected internationally, the RCMP has faced scrutiny over its handling of Indigenous relations, internal workplace issues, and calls to reform contract policing arrangements.