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Rooting out Mounties who harbour racist views may not be as easy or happen as quickly as the RCMP’s top boss has suggested.

Commissioner Bob Paulson acknowledged to a gathering of First Nations leaders this week that “there are racists in my police force” and sought to assure them that recent changes to the RCMP Act allow him and his commanding officers to take “decisive” action against members who misbehave.

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“I would encourage you all … to have confidence in the processes that exist, up to and including calling me if you are having a problem with a racist in your jurisdiction or any other problems,” he said at the annual meeting of the Assembly of First Nations in Gatineau, Que., on Wednesday.

Legal observers say it is possible officers who display racist behaviour on or off duty could be disciplined under the RCMP code of conduct that deals with treating people with respect and not bringing discredit to the force. However, proving that someone is racist can be challenging, requiring witnesses or a recording of the remarks, they said.