They have the power to arrest anyone who is subject to the Code of Service Discipline (CSD), regardless of position or rank under the National Defence Act (NDA).

CFMP have the power to arrest and charge non-CSD bound civilians only in cases where a crime is committed on or in relation to DND property or assets, or at the request of the Minister of Public Safety, Commissioner of the Correctional Service of Canada or Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

If in fact a crime is committed on or in relation to DND property or assets, CFMP have the power to arrest and charge the offender, military or civilian, under the Criminal Code.

The Royal Air Force, Canada (RAFC) was formed in 1918 and an assistant provost marshal was appointed in Toronto on February 1 of that year.

Originally called the Guards and Discipline Branch, the name was changed a year later to the Directorate of Provost and Security Services (DPSS).

In June 1966, Major General Gilles Turcot was directed to examine the role, organization and responsibility for security in the CF and to make recommendations for any revisions.

The DGI Working Group submitted its study in March 1967 in which it was concluded that security/intelligence/police should be managed as an entity under a Directorate General Intelligence and Security in the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff (VCDS) Branch.

The recommendations of the Piquet Study were implemented by the CDS on 3 May 1967 and by 1968, the officer specifications were in draft form and included five sub-classifications: military police, investigation, intelligence, imagery interpretation and interrogation.

Following further studies, discussions and recommendations, DGIS concurred with the Craven Report and on 3 December 1981 the CDS directed that separate Security and Intelligence Branches each containing the applicable officer classification and trade be established, with an implementation target date of 1 October 1982.

As of 2012[update], members of the Military Police Branch serve on every base and station of the Canadian Forces in Canada, as well as with the various regiments and battalions.

CFMP continue to serve in support of deployed operations, with a significant presence in TF Afghanistan.

In November 2007 a ceremony officially recognized the CFPM assuming command of the Canadian Forces Military Police Group.

[12][13] The first stage of training for candidates is the 10-week Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) course at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec.

SQ covers the following topics: Army physical fitness, dismounted offensive and defensive operations, reconnaissance patrolling, advanced weapons-handling (working with grenades, machine-guns and anti-tank weapons) and individual field-craft.

CFMPA provides career and specialist training to Regular and Reserve Force members of the Military Police Branch.

In addition, CFMPA provides security-related training to non-Branch personnel of the Regular and Reserve Forces.

CFMP continue to serve with United Nations (UN) forces, as part of the NATO component in Geilenkirchen, Germany, and in 45 Canadian Embassies and High Commissions around the world.

CFMP members were also stationed with the Canadian Contingent Training Mission – Afghanistan (CCTM-A) Military Police Element, where they were responsible for enforcing Canadian law among the CF personnel and assisting other military police of different nations in enforcing conduct and discipline.

All units are under the control of the Canadian Forces Military Police Group (CF MP Gp), headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario.

The MPSS is as a unit of the MP Svcs Gp seconded to the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT).

These services include protection of classified and administratively controlled material and equipment, Canadian personnel and property.

The performance of these duties includes the execution of instructions for the protection of Canadian Foreign Service Missions and their personnel in emergencies.

The MPSS personnel are at the unit headquarters, in Ottawa, and at 47 Canadian embassies, high commissions, or consulates around the world.

The mission of the CFNCIU consists in identifying, investigating and countering threats to the security of the CF and the DND from foreign intelligence services, or from individuals/groups engaged of espionage, sabotage, subversion, terrorism, extremism or criminal activities.

The CFNCIU is a national level, specialist unit responsible for the provision of counter-intelligence (specifically counter-HUMINT) services to the CF and the DND.

The CFNIS investigates serious or sensitive service and criminal offences against property, persons, and the Department of National Defence.

It performs a function similar to that of a Major Crime unit of the RCMP or large municipal police agency.

Military Police members of the 1 Can Air Div VIP Aircraft Security Detail, are responsible for providing security to Canadian Forces aircraft, crew and passengers—passengers who may include the Governor General, the Prime Minister and members of the Royal Family, amongst others.

In keeping with Military Police traditions, the new look maintained the red colour with black and white tones, and included bilingual messaging which is visible day or night.

Upon introduction, the new design won second place in the 2023 Annual Best Dressed Police Vehicle Award from Blue Line, the only program of its kind in Canada.