We recognize that real barriers exist between Indigenous, other racialized people and the justice system which includes police.
What is Systemic Racism?
The Government of Ontario defines systemic racism as: “Organizational culture, policies, directives, practices or procedures that exclude, displace or marginalize some racialized groups or create unfair barriers for them to access valuable benefits and opportunities. This is often the result of institutional biases in organizational culture, policies, directives, practices and procedures that may appear neutral but have the effect of privileging some groups and disadvantaging others.”
Breaking Down Barriers
In acknowledging the existence of systemic racism, we must also recognize the need for action to eliminate it. This involves looking at our practices, policies and efforts to serve all community members in a fair and unbiased way.
We have been strengthening our existing relationships within the community and create new opportunities to break the barriers down between racialized people and the Thunder Bay Police Service. A Citizen Satisfaction and Trust Survey conducted in 2019 revealed that there is a high level of confidence in the members of our police service. The same survey also indicated that we have much work to do in building trust as an organization. We are committed to leveraging the good work of our members as we address systemic racism.
The following links provide a look at the these important and ongoing efforts.
