The RCMP began as a military force sent west to enforce Canada's claims on the northern prairie. Although it continued to wear military-style uniforms it adopted civil police titles and would in fact evolve into a federal police force, working closely with provincial and municipal police forces. Mounted troopers were able to patrol in areas of the Canadian west not easily accessed by other means and the RCMP's reputation for always getting their man has become legendary. They've developed some great-looking uniforms along the way too, as illustrated in this book. Well worth checking out!