The Comité consultatif sur la réalité policière (CCRP) began its public consultations on police in Quebec last Thursday with non-profit organizations and citizens engaging in a discussion about police relations with BIPOC communities.
“The first forum was about confidence, the relationship between police officers, citizens and people working in non-profit organizations, so you can imagine the comments are more negative than positive,” said CCRP spokesperson Bernard Sévigny.
It was the first of four themes the CCRP is covering this week. The consultation focused on the social role of police on Tuesday. The topic turned to the impact of social media and technology on Wednesday and then accountability and transparency on Thursday.
According to Sévigny, there were about 40 representatives from non-profit organizations present at the first forum. The organizations involved in the consultation are often connected to police in some way, supporting victims and providing council.
“We have to listen to those kinds of comments because you know the entire project cannot be completed without listening to people who are in the field or in relations with police officers,” he said.
Communication with police officers a top concern for citizens and non-profits
By Michael Boriero - Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
