Merritt Indigenous policing builds trust through community outreach

A four-member Indigenous Policing Services team with the Merritt RCMP is working directly with five Indigenous communities and two First Nations bands, using regular outreach and cultural engagement to reduce fear and strengthen relationships. The program traces its federal origins to 1991 and focuses on proactive, community-based work.

Members of a four-officer Indigenous Policing Services team with the Merritt RCMP are regularly interacting with local Indigenous communities and bands. The officers — Corporal Jason Olney and constables Tammy Denning, Derek Versteeg and Grant Bernier — report being welcomed in public and at community events. Their work emphasizes proactive engagement with youths, Elders and community groups rather than responding only to incidents. The program is part of a broader federal approach introduced in 1991 to provide culturally appropriate policing services for First Nations communities. Community interactions: - The team serves five Indigenous communities and two First Nations bands in and around Merritt. - Officers are described as taking part in schools, powwows, Elders events and community meals, and are often greeted warmly. - Tammy Denning has been with the Indigenous Policing Services for six years and has worked in Merritt for over 15 years. - Programs and initiatives reported include traffic and internet safety education, scams and fraud awareness, impaired driving demonstrations using go-karts with impairment goggles, and "Coffee with a cop" events. - Officers say the outreach helps break down fear of police and builds personal relationships that can change how incidents are viewed. - The Indigenous Policing Services model was introduced federally in 1991 to promote culturally appropriate and locally managed policing. Summary: The Merritt RCMP’s Indigenous Policing Services team has focused on regular, culturally informed contact to build relationships and reduce barriers between police and Indigenous community members. Undetermined at this time.