RPAL: Fact or Fiction? Part 2
Next up in our series of posts about RPAL misconceptions, is a common and interesting idea:
An RPAL means the RCMP can search my house.
Who wants anyone else searching their house? No one. But when we hear this idea come up - and it comes up quite a bit - we try to break it down into two areas.
1. Can the RCMP search your house?
Sort of… The RCMP or an agent of the CFO could determine they want to inspect your firearms and decide to visit where you keep them. This is true for any firearms owner, not just those with an RPAL.
However, they’d typically need to make an appointment with you at least 24 hours ahead of time for an inspection - and an inspection is not a general search of your house, like you might have seen on TV where they show up and toss everything around.
We might be splitting hairs on that… you probably don’t really want anyone to be able to come into your house at all. We hear you. Keep in mind that part of the current deal you make to have firearms is the possibility of having to prove you store them legally.
2. Does an RPAL increase the chances of a search (or an inspection)?
The RCMP probably has a reason for wanting to inspect a certain place. They don’t have the resources to inspect everybody for fun. They prioritize based on some system we don’t fully know about… a system very likely based on complaints.
Receiving a complaint against you from a neighbour, friend, or fellow firearms owner would - probably, unsurprisingly - trigger some interest from law enforcement.
Could they search your house without warning? Yes, they could in theory, but they’d need either your consent or reasonable and probable grounds to do so.
We’re not legal experts.
This is not legal advice. There is always a story floating around suggesting exceptions happen and we can’t speak to that with authority. Any firearms in your house could provide reasonable and probable grounds to enter your home under some circumstance, likely a circumstance where someone thinks you’re up to no good.
If you take those circumstances off the hypothetical table it seems to us the chance of officers knocking on your door unannounced is startlingly low.
A lot of things could happen, but they probably won’t.
There is a small possibility of having the place you store firearms inspected, and an even lower chance of law enforcement breaking down your door. There’s also no evidence we’re aware of that suggests having an RPAL would increase these chance.
If you’re a conscientious gun owner, it probably won’t happen to you. If this is truly a serious concern for you, we humbly suggest you remain a card carrying member of Costco and forego your PAL entirely!
We’re filing this one under…
FICTION
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When to take your Restricted course?
We know not everyone needs or wants one, and that’s okay. If you’re at all tempted, you’re probably going to want it - so book it in advance (if you’re worried you might want to cancel it leave it 5 or more days after your PAL course).
Book the 30-Day Upgrade to RPAL (CRFSC) within the 29 days after your Obtain My PAL (CFSC). This is the shortened format of the course you can only take during that first month after your PAL course, and it’s the least expensive. Get it locked in, set it and forget it - this is the course that’s the best value for you!
If you missed your 30-Day window or already have your PAL, the boat with the shortened course on board has permanently left the dock due to regulations, but you can always take a Standalone Upgrade to RPAL (CRFSC). It’s a bit longer but it’s still a bit shorter than a PAL course.
