Following the release of the Office of the Independent Police Review Director’s (OIPRD) systemic review, the Thunder Bay Police Service is formally acknowledging that it must address the systemic racism, barriers and biases that exist within its service.
This acknowledgement is an important step, as highlighted by the OIPRD report, in the service’s ongoing efforts to build trust with the Indigenous community. The report and its recommendations will be carefully and thoroughly reviewed in the coming days.
While the report was released today (Dec. 12, 2018), today’s acknowledgement is not the first step the TBPS has taken building trust with the community.
“I take this report very seriously,” said TBPS Chief Sylvie Hauth. “I have been very upfront in terms of my commitment and dedication about where we stand on the reconciliation process. Trust is very important and regaining that trust has been at the forefront of my new role.”
Chief Hauth added that the service has not been standing still while the OIPRD prepared its report. Over the past two years the service has introduced a number of initiatives.
“I think it’s important that we don’t lose sight of the work that’s been done and the progress that we have made and will continue to do.”
Some of these steps forward are formally acknowledged within the systemic review.
For more information on the progress in addressing these systemic issues, visit:
https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/inquest-recommendations-2018-update
https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/Breaking-Barriers