 |
|
|
The Saskatoon Police Advisory Committee on Diversity
In recent years the Service has formed a committee on strategic renewal through a partnership between the Board of Police Commissioners and the Saskatoon Tribal Council. The Saskatoon Police Advisory Committee on Diversity (SPACOD), created through recommendations by the Stonechild Inquiry, assists in strengthening relationships with First Nations and Metis People, New Canadians and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Communities of Saskatoon. SPACOD's mission is to serve as a link between the Saskatoon Police Service and the diverse cultural communities of Saskatoon in providing education and communication.
From left to right (top row): Heather Harder (Global Gathering Place), Eleanor Shia (Open Door Society), Diane Van Brabant, (Avenue Community Centre for Gender & Sexual Diversity), Cst. Keith Salzl (SPS), Sgt. Anthony Nadon (SPS), Ellen Erickson (Saskatoon Refugee Coalition), Rajesh Saxena (UNA Canada), Judy White (International Women of Saskatoon), (bottom row): Corrine Garris (International Women of Saskatoon), Cst. Preston Parranto (SPS), Helen Smith-McIntyre (Saskatoon Refugee Coalition), Nicole White (AIDS Saskatoon), Susan Michell (SPS), Emily Coates (U of S Pride Centre)
Message from Chief Clive Weighill
On behalf of the Saskatoon Police Service I would like to thank and acknowledge the assistance and positive influence achieved through the work from Saskatoon Police Advisory Committee on Diversity (SPACOD). SPACOD membership is comprised from Saskatoon’s cultural mosaic as well as the gay, lesbian and transgender community. The Committee was originally formed as an outcome of the Stonechild Inquiry to assist the Police Service deliver diversity training to all its members. The committee strategized, provided speakers, and guided a training package to every member of the Service.
SPACOD meets every month to review policy, discuss cultural issues, and provide advice to members of the police service. It is chaired by a non-police member. The Committee has been instrumental in providing training, changing police policy, reviewing diversity training at the Saskatchewan Police College, advising on diversity recruitment, and providing input on cultural issues.
- Chief Clive Weighill
Over the last several years the Saskatoon Police Service has made significant progress in First Nations and Aboriginal relations. The following changes have taken place:
- Implemented the recommendations from the Stonechild Inquiry.
- Implemented or are currently working on recommendations from the commission on First Nations and Metis people and reform.
- Creation of a committee on strategic renewal through a partnership between the Board of Police commissioners and the Saskatoon Tribal Council and have implemented or are currently working on their recommendations.
- Increased recruitment of First Nations and Metis people.
- Created the Saskatoon Police Advisory Committee on Diversity (SPACOD) to address the concerns of First Nations and Metis people, as well as new Canadians.
- Created the Chief’s Advisory Committee on First Nations and Metis.
- Implemented changes in the way public complaints are handled.
Complaints can now be received directly at the police service or through the Provincial Complaints Commission or the FSIN Special Investigative Unit.
Equipped each patrol car with Auto Vehicle Locator. This GPS system allows the police service to know precisely where patrol cars are at any moment. It also saves a complete navigational history of where the car has been on every shift.