Barrie police chief Kimberley Greenwood brought back inspiration, respect and resolve from three fly-in First Nations in northern Ontario.
The chief was part of a delegation of the Ontario Association of Chief's of Police board of directors that visited the remote communities this week.
The police leaders were attending a three-day conference in Thunder Bay and flew to the remote areas to meet with officers, chiefs and band councils.
"They were significant kilometres north of Thunder Bay," said Greenwood. "Actually seeing it first hand was an eye opener and knowing that the challenges seem to be more prevalent in native reserves. The further isolated communities are, the more challenges they face."
The OACP fact-finding tour was an opportunity to see the challenges first hand and reach out to communities served by the Nishnawbe-Aski Police.
The dedication of the officers resonated with Greenwood.
"Phenomenal," said Greenwood. "Yes they do their shift that they're required to be the officer on duty. But at the end of the shift they're still in the community. They're still giving back and there are no complaints. They love what they're doing. They feel like they're making a difference."
Greenwood learned that the police leaders share some similar challenges in "mental health issues, addiction, poverty" but First Nations communities have additional challenges of "limited resources or lack of support resources to the community."
The living and working conditions of the officers were far different from what Greenwood expected.
"The structure in which they were working doesn't meet the same standards that are required or expected in the Barrie Police Service, for example," she said. "The reception area, the doors, the cells. We were also able to see a model that NAPS is working towards and that model is phenomenal."
The OACP wants to assist and support the communities and Greenwood wouldn't discount sending Barrie Police officers.
"That is an option that we can look at but we want to ensure that we're meeting the needs of the communities," said Greenwood. "That just because we believe that might be an option that we could provide services, that may not be something they're looking for so it has to be a mutual decision there. We can raise our hands but we want to ensure that we're doing the right thing."
Greenwood could not disclose any "next steps" the OACP plans to take to help their First Nations counterparts.
But the organization's goal is to make a difference and look for opportunities to help.
"I see great hope there," Greenwood said. "We're all talking the same - ensure community safety, officers are properly trained and work with the community. We can learn from each other."
