Aboriginal officers recognized for exemplary work

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October 21 was a special day for four Alberta police officers, three of whom are Aboriginal. Officers Alex Courtoreille, as well as Corporals Cam Alexis, Kelly Bielert and Raymond Arcand had cause to be proud as they were singled out for recognition for their exemplary service at an awards ceremony at RCMP headquarters in Edmonton.

Two of the first officers recognized with commendations were Cpl. Bielert, a non-Aboriginal police officer from Cardston and Const. Courtoreille, a Metis with the Peigan First Nation and Pincher Creek detachments in 1996.

By late 1996, the Blood Indian band, Canada's largest reserve, was in chaos and threatened with the loss of its tribal police force due to suspensions and resignations, procedural errors that saw judges tossing out more than 60 per cent of charges stemming from the reserve, low morale, lack of accountability, and ineffective follow-up on files. Then, in February 1997, Bielert and Courtoreille were summoned "with virtually no time to prepare," to quell the rather volatile situation, explained Superintendent J.P. Curley.

In very short order, said Curley, the two officers "were able to review and process all outstanding investigations" as well as gain the confidence of the community and serve as coaches and mentors in training officers and staff they supervised. Were it not for the many extra hours of hard work and dedication they put in, added Curley, there's no telling how chaotic the situation may have become. Courtoreille said some files were so stale they went for months, sometimes years, without follow-up. Even the force's access to the Canadian Police Information Centre was in jeopardy of being pulled. If that happened, it would mean the band police could not tap into records with information on outstanding warrants, charges, and past criminal activity, explained Courtoreille.

That's all behind them now though. Courtoreille and Bielert spent 18 months with the Bloods. More than a year later, the band hired Dave Stewart, a 37-year veteran of the Edmonton force as their chief of police.

"They were indispensable," he said. And, while he is comfortable with the present state of affairs, he admits, "without them, this place may not have had such a happy ending."

Stewart maintains that his staff of 21 is at a satisfactory number although they could use somebody in victim's services and crime prevention. Courtoreille and Bielert also feel the situation has been resolved. Courtoreille said the Blood police are "gaining respect" back and that those who do a good job, "can police anywhere."

The other Aboriginal officers cited at the awards for "outstanding contributions and commitments," were Corporals Cam Alexis and Raymond Arcand. They were acknowledged for their work in Aboriginal policing, especially as it pertains to their knowledge of Aboriginal culture and their planning and co-ordination of the 1999 National Policing Conference in Edmonton.

The time and energy they "unselfishly gave" to the successful conclusion of the conference . . . "is indicative of your efforts and reflects favorably on the RCMP," said Staff Sergeant Ray Munro.

Alexis has been with the force since 1983 and is presently the chief of police with the Woodland Cree in northern Alberta. Alexis feels strongly that Aboriginal policing is important, is a specialized field and, although it has come a long way, has a way yet to go. He sees a real need for Aboriginal people to continue being involved, and in greater numbers.