Regina Police provided an update to their progress on the 94 calls to action for Truth and Reconciliation during the board of police commissioner’s meeting on Wednesday.
RPS provided three examples of how they are implementing the calls to action in their day-to-day operation, including aboriginal specific victim services, and committing to eliminating the over-representation off aboriginal youth in custody.
Chief Evan Bray said part of the truth and reconciliation effort continues to be assisting families during a difficult investigation.
“Sometimes, part of the reconciliation effort is just how we provide that service to the community, how do we interact with families, how do we provide regular feedback,” Bray said. “Do we have a liaison officer that’s assigned to work with them, are we able to give some timelines and some steps forward.”
Bray said part of dealing with difficult investigations is building trust with the families.
“The family has an understanding that you are doing everything you can to try and give them answers in their particular case that is being investigated, and solid communication,” Bray said. “So you build a relationship, and then provide solid communication, that is two-way communication, listen to what their concerns are and where you can help them if you can.”
Mayor Michael Fougere said Regina police have done a commendable job acting on the calls to action.
“It is an overwhelming issue that profoundly talks about how the police service conducts its activities with the public, in particular with indigenous people, how we interact with them,” Fougere said. “It’s very important that we respond properly, and I think both reports before us have shown that the RPS, under the leadership of Chief Bray and the men and women who work the streets every day, it’s top of mind of what we should be doing.”
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission was launched in 2008, and issued the 94 calls to action in 2015.