To hold space for safe discussions on racism is a language you often here in the community, but when you hear this same language from the Police Chief, coupled with an admission of systemic racism and backed by an action plan to change things, this indeed signals change in a different direction.
“…We have two ears and one mouth, we need to use it proportionately…,” an analogy used to summarize the statement of intent of the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) Chief to listen, listen, and listen, while implementing a new direction, through a community partnership, in the policing of Black, Indigenous, racialized, and under-represented communities.
The George Floyd connection…
The death of George Floyd resulting in the big protest in Edmonton, and the engaging public hearings at Edmonton City Hall has sent a strong message of change to the EPS, which the Chief signaled today September 21, 2020, at the EPS headquarters in Downtown Edmonton – change is coming!
What exactly is the EPS talk about?
The Chief announced the launch of the EPS broad strategy to engage Black, Indigenous, and underserved communities through community engagement sessions across the city throughout 2021, the creation of safe spaces for conversations with communities, and work with communities to implement changes. Community members who are not comfortable sharing their stories in public meetings can do so via the website, www.epsinput.ca
An EPS Advisory Council…
The EPS will also introduce a new community advisory council, with applications to open in January 2021, for talented people from multicultural communities with the ability to resolve issues.
Is Chief McFee the right guy to lead the EPS and Edmonton communities into this change?
Chief McFee was one of the first police chief in Canada to accept that systemic racism exist in every community in Canada, including the Edmonton Police Service.Last June, the Edmonton Police Chief said his unique experiences in government and in police services across Canada and abroad makes him the best candidate to take on any racism related change in the EPS. Fast forward to today, September 2020, he’s announcing a vision for change, in partnership with Edmonton’s minority communities.
The Edmonton Police boss made his big racism announcement today, September 21, 2020, at the Edmonton Police Services (EPS) headquarter with some answers for his skeptics…
How does EPS prevent this efforts from becoming another one night stand?
Ask how to sustain this community engagement such that it doesn’t become another one night stand? The outspoken Chief said the EPS is moving directly to action, counting and celebrating successes as they go. He added that there’s been enough research and studies done already on this issue and now is the time for action.
“…how many missing and murdered indigenous women and girls have we had…how many death inquest?…lots! Way too many! We don’t need another inquest! We don’t need another study! We need to act! “Edmonton Police Chief, Dale McFee sends a message to doubting Thomases.
Why does it take the dead of George Floyd to get this done? The Chief said the EPS was already making changes to its policy to partner with community through its Vision 2020 plan, but the death of George Floyd only expedited the process.Speaking in the language of community members…
The Chief also attempted to connect to community members using a language they understand well like to hold safe spaces for community conversations, building community partnership not collaboration.
The response has been positive so far from community members who took part in the community engagement with the Chief…
“…being part of change rather than being in the background isn’t something that we can do any longer…,” Kari Thomason, a community member who took part in the community engagement with the Chief shared with the media.
“…I’ve never seen this kind of engagement…this is a big deal…we’re going to move forward on this…we need to move on with this for our children, communities…,” Stephanie Harpe, another community member who took part in the round table told the media.
“…when we got to the round table, we saw members of the community who want change…we saw officers and the Chief really engaging. He’s all about change…,” Zaki Hirabe with RAJO (Hope), Centre for Resilience and Social Development in Edmonton.
“…today is a great day that the Chief announced a broad engagement strategy with Blacks, Indigenous and people of colour… it’s about time we hold sustained periodic meetings to hold the police accountable for their actions…we can now have access to monitor to make sure that we can hold the police accountable to make sure that our people are not victims of policing services…,” Keli Tamaklo, former Police Commissioner for the City of Edmonton and current President of the Ghanaian community in Edmonton.
