The RCMP has approved a new backup policy requiring that at least two officers respond to dangerous calls in remote areas.
Mounties serving in isolated detachments will now travel in pairs to calls involving a threat of violence, weapons, mental problems or lack of radio contact.
Off-duty officers will back up anyone working alone.
The news comes out of a two-day meeting of RCMP leaders in Ottawa as the Mounties face growing pressure to better protect officers in the North and remote regions.
After more than 10 years of internal reviews, critics say it's time for the national police force to improve officer safety -- regardless of expense.
The proposed backup plan is expected to cost $25 million or more.
Any increased funding requires help from the provinces and territories which pay 70 per cent of RCMP costs in rural and remote areas.
The Mounties have been under heavy pressure since two officers in the North were killed within a month of each other this fall.
Eight RCMP officers have been fatally shot while serving in remote detachments in the last three years, including four in Mayerthorpe, Alta., and two in Mildred, Sask.
