The head of the RCMP is apologizing to the Indigenous community for not being the police service responsive enough to their needs of urgency.
Commissioner Brenda Lucki is testifying at the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Inquiry in Regina Monday, vowing the force will do better.
“I’m sorry that for too many of you, the RCMP was not the police service that it needed to be during this terrible time in your life. It is very clear to me that the RCMP could have done better, and I promise to you we will do better,” Lucki stated. “On behalf of myself and my organization, I am truly sorry for the loss of your loved ones.”
Lucki testified the Mounties are making Aboriginal policing a priority through increased focus of recruiting Indigenous officers, better relations with First Nations leadership and developing shared priorities for community policing.
“These hearings have provided families an opportunity to tell their truths. I am listening and I will continue to listen throughout my tenure as commissioner,” Lucki explained.
Lucki recalled a new initiative she started while working as detachment commander in Thompson, Manitoba in 2010. She created a protocol of having a new officer or chief and council meet within the first month to establish a relationship, but also identify policing priorities. She says this initiative is still ongoing in Thompson, but that several other provinces are adopting this model.
The Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls will continue hearing from witnesses of policing policies and practices throughout this week.
(PHOTO: RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki. Photo courtesy of RCMP.)