In 2023, the Indigenous Relations Unit of Surrey Police Service (SPS) hosted the Circles of Understanding. You may be asking, “What is that?” Blue Line spoke with Deputy Chief Constable (DCC) Michael LeSage and Insp. Kelly Wong of SPS, and Tina Taphouse, an Indigenous artist, about how law enforcement agencies can authentically connect with local Indigenous peoples while also understanding their history and why there may be a negative reaction to police officers. The goal was to foster positive relationships with Indigenous people they encounter and serve every day.

We get it: you have academic goals, but sometimes life gets in the way. At Laurier, we make it easier than ever for you to earn your degree online! Study where you want and when you want with our unique online program offerings. Obtain credit for OPC and other professional development courses or start from scratch in one of our Policing or Public Safety programs. Graduate-level degrees are also available to help you advance in your career.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is topical these days, and rightfully so. ASD prevalence is rising exponentially globally. There is no evidence that people with ASD commit more crimes than non-autistic people. Nevertheless, people with ASD can expect to interact with LEPs up to seven times more often than those without autism. However, these interactions primarily result from victimization and witness reports. Indeed, autistic people are more likely to be victimized, harassed and bullied than others. People with ASD encounter more significant harassment and bullying in prison if arrested.

With more programs and flexible learning options than ever, Seneca Polytechnic provides a great education to prepare you for a range of exciting careers. Whether you’re starting out or starting something new, we’ll help you achieve your goals. Explore program and career options that prepare you to serve, protect and shape our communities.

It isn’t news that police services nationwide are working with increasingly diverse communities. To serve these communities well, officers should have religious literacy. Knowing something about the practices, customs and beliefs of Canada’s religious communities helps open the doors to trusting relationships. The challenge is that, in Canada, we rarely talk about religion and many of us know of only one religion, or none at all. For many reasons, that needs to change.