True and Fascinating Canadian History
The Mystery of Mounties
And Death In The Arctic
by J. J. Healy
The role of police officers in Canada has significantly changed as policing has evolved over time. In the very early instances, the police officer walked the beat. He was expected to alert people to an outbreak of fire at night. Soon, the protection of property was added to the job.
Then, about 1873, other items made the list especially directed to the North West Mounted Police; maintaining peace among Aboriginal tribes, protecting settlers, arresting whiskey traders, fighting fire on the prairies and recovering horses and cattle. Often times, danger and loneliness accompanied new job expectations.
Eventually, the police officer's job was lengthened; criminal investigations, murders, theft, and frauds, escorting mental patients and traffic duties. Cross border and international criminal cases came on line. Today, the police officer's role in society has been defined as very complex and his or her job description carries the near weight of a four hundred page search warrant application.
Looking back to the earliest pioneer days of Canada, the North West Mounted Police always faced danger. Danger was a daily companion whether the constable was required to track a wanted person, or arrest someone, or quell a riot, or to make long, arduous patrols on horseback.
For sure, the police officer's work has grown increasingly complex, but the work environment has changed very little over time -- it is equally dangerous today as it was one hundred and forty one years ago. Police cadets of today learn early that danger lurks with nearly every car stop and the potential for violence on the street is very evident. On patrol, the serious police officer must remain alert about his or her surroundings and continually evaluate situations which could turn explosive.
Danger was the principal enemy which faced four police officers in 'The Mystery of the Mounties And Death In The Arctic'. It is the story of the 1910 Lost Patrol.
The story of the Lost Patrol ended in absolute tragedy. Yet, after all these years, maybe the victims left today's police officers with a valuable lesson about life.
To continue soon. Sadly
Reporting from the Fort,
J. J. Healy
November, 2014
