Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Crystal Leighton, Indigenous and Community Policing NL
Background
The RCMP is a national police force serving populations governed by the Canadian government i.e. Indigenous peoples, and addressing specific issues under the jurisdiction of the federal government. In communities that are not served by local or provincial police services, the RCMP provides services relating to jurisdictions and people under the auspices of the provincial and municipal governments. As Indigenous peoples are governed under the current Indian Act, criminal concerns involving this population are addressed by the RCMP.
To date, the RCMP acknowledges the reality that Indigenous peoples, both offenders and victims, are overrepresented in the Canadian criminal justice system. As the RCMP was involved in enforcing colonial rule, the present day responsibilities are extremely complex. In NL, the RCMP is working with Indigenous communities in regard to restorative justice opportunities, especially in Central and Western Newfoundland.
For more information regarding the national RCMP policing program and restorative justice please visit the website; https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/indigenous-policing
Definition of Restorative Justice
Official RCMP definition from https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/indigenous-autochtone/resto-eng.htm:
“Restorative Justice is an approach to justice that encourages victims/survivors, individuals offenders, and the community to be involved in dealing with the impact of criminal and offending behaviour. It aims to address the needs of victims/survivors and the community, while placing an emphasis on accountability on the offender and repairing the harm caused by their actions.
The goal is to reach meaningful, satisfying, and fair outcomes through: inclusion, open communication, [and] truth.
Restorative Justice: builds on respect, compassion and inclusivity; encourages meaningful engagement and accountability; [and] provides an opportunity for reparation and reintegration.”
Demographic Served
Currently, RCMP engages with restorative justice programming mainly in Central to the West Coast. Though engaged specifically with the K’Taqmkuk Restorative Justice Strategy, anyone in that area may be eligible for similar support if services are available.
Services
RCMP works with the twelve communities connected to the Flat Bay K’Taqmkuk Restorative Justice Strategy. It refers people to the restorative justice possibilities, is involved in the various circle processes where possible, and makes it possible for more of the RCMP members to be trained.
Services include:
Supporting Indigenous people in navigating the judicial system
Overseeing Indigenous community and supporting rj program
Using rj wherever/whenever as a first approach
Meeting with the restorative justice coordinator of K’Taqmkuk Restorative Justice Strategy on a monthly basis
Information provided
June 8, 2023