RICHARD ALLEN SCOTT - Through the Years

RICHARD ALLEN SCOTT
THROUGH THE YEARS
Upon returning to work, I had a staffing interview at which I was asked what I want to do with my
career. I expressed a desire to return to general duty policing in British Columbia. A short time
later the Staffing Officer indicated that the closest west he could get me would perhaps be
Niagara Falls, Ontario, and a job as an investigator in Organized Crime. I said sure, but shortly
thereafter I was advised that I didn’t have enough investigative experience…I knew that.
Another option was a return to Headquarters.
RCMP Headquarters Ottawa, “C” Directorate, Physical Protection
Branch
At the end of June, 1972, I again shipped my one trunk, packed
up my nice car and drove back to Ottawa where, on July 2 nd I
started work in Physical Protection Branch, and then VIP
Protection Section.
Yet again, the Force became my surrogate parents, feeding me,
clothing me, and providing accommodation as I moved into the
HQ Barracks upon my arrival, and got my own room. And I was
closer to B.C.
My duties there were to read and analyze reports of subjects
who were under surveillance across Canada as being likely to
embarrass or cause harm to VIPs. There were many of them.
We regularly ‘carded’ them and sent out these cards, which
contained their photos, histories, and potential questionable
activities. Other jobs were coordinating visits of VIPs. Our lucky
boss, a Sub-Inspector (the entry-level Commissioned rank that has
since disappeared in the Force), was the RCMP Travel Officer, accompanying the Prime
Minister and Governor General on all international visits. Boy, did he see the world…not once
but twice each time as he had to conduct pre-visit liaison meetings with the various security
agencies in the countries being visited.
24 years old - Ottawa - 1972
Had a run-in with a Sergeant (whose last name funnily was Major) over my refusal to contribute
to the United Way Campaign that he was canvassing for. Was quite nasty actually, but I didn’t
capitulate or contribute! A year or so later I reserved a cottage on Big Rideau Lake for a week,
that was to be the honeymoon spot for Sharon and I. It was owned by Sgt. Major! The rental
was cancelled due to Sharon’s illness after the wedding.
With many young, single members in HQ, and if not more young, single female civilian
employees, relationships were inevitable. “Sexism” was alive and well in those days, as
witnessed here by a beauty pageant in the cafeteria, with one of the contestants being Sharon
Janet Marie Camm, a finalist.
June 2017
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