Origins of The R.C.M.P. Detachment at Athabasca, Alberta

Notes - The first presence of the R.N.W.M.P. in Athabasca Landing occurred in 1892, when the R.N.W.M.P. came to prevent liquor from being brought into prohibited areas. In 1897, permanent police detachments were set up in Athabasca Landing, Fort Chipewyan and Lesser Slave Lake. In 1905, a new police district known as "Athabasca" was created; head office was in Lesser Slave Lake. In 1908, the head office was moved to Athabasca Landing. In 1913 a large fire destroyed many buildings in Athabasca Landing, including all of the R.N.W.M.P. buildings. In 1916, the police headquarters were moved from Athabasca to Peace River. In 1917, major changes to policing occurred in Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Alberta created an Alberta Police Force, and the Athabasca detachment of the R.N.W.M.P. was closed. In 1919, the federal government declared that the R.N.W.M.P. would be the only police force in Canada. A new northern Alberta police division was created and active recruitment began. In 1920, the R.N.W.M.P. amalgamated with the Dominion Police which created the R.C.M.P. In 1924, the Athabasca detachment was closed. In 1932 the Athabasca detachment was reopened with one officer (6 pages)