RCMP first introduced the program to the provinces in 1963. Active auxiliary programs are currently in place in the provinces of Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Alberta, Manitoba, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan. Approximately 2,400 auxiliary members are currently in the program. General policy guidelines are issued from Headquarters. Divisions, in cooperation with the provincial governments, are responsible for organizing and administering the program within these guidelines.
All costs associated with the program are the responsibility of the provincial government.
Uniforms are supplied by the RCMP and costs charged back to the provinces. Contract Management Section assumed policy centre responsibility for the program upon the creation of the Community, Contract and Aboriginal Policing Directorate. Applicants for the RCMP auxiliary constable program are identified in the communities through personal contact with regular members. Applicants who volunteer must meet some basic requirements. Auxiliaries are authorized to accompany regular members on patrol and perform other police functions under supervision, such as office duties, special events, property checks and traffic and crowd control.