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The people are the police: Building trust with Aboriginal communities in contemporary Canadian society.

Chrismas, Robert
June 4, 2015

Source: (2012) Canadian Public Administration. 55(3):451-470.

Policing is an important element in the spectrum of services that impact
living conditions, quality of life and social justice for Aboriginal communities. The
ultimate policing goal should be to contribute to the realization of societies with
safe living conditions and equal access to opportunities, health and happiness. In
Canada, Aboriginal peoples were marginalized by colonization, becoming victims
of social injustice whose significant effects on communities are felt to this day. This
article explores how trust can be regained through improved communication,
community engagement and empowerment. Trust building is critical for police and
communities to move forward together. Truth telling, transparency and restorative
justice may allow police agencies to align with the values of Aboriginal communities,
support citizen empowerment, and better carry out the public will. (excerpt)

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