Just doing the best job we can

Page 13

Special Constable Wanda Poitras, 25, has been with the Lac la Biche RCMP since July 17, 1898 and finds the greatest reward of her job is "the excitement of not knowing what you're facing (each day)."

Originally from Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement, Poitras decided to become a policewoman because curiosity piqued her interest about the exciting life of a policewoman while growing up.

So far she really enjoys her work where Poitras is assigned to two reserves and one Metis settlement in north-central Alberta.

In her job, Poitras is asked to attend schools and talk to school-age children.

She says the message to young kids is that the RCMP are just there to do their job.

"The elders (older siblings) seem against us."

By taking to the kids in school, "the young bring the understanding home, and change the views (of the rest of the family members). Then they say: 'Hey maybe the cops ain't that bad'," she noted.

The questions asked most by older children are about drugs and alcohol while younger children are curious about the gun a policewoman uses, her cruiser and the uniforms she wears.

Poitras also spends time talking to the community. When someone is arrested, she explains to them why they are being detained. Coming from a Native background, Poitras is often asked by other non-Native RCMP to translate.

"I'm on call. If they (other RCMP), need my assistance, I help out when I can."

She says that because she is Naive, other Natives who have been arrested find it easier to "open up and speak clearly" to her, than to non-Native RCMP.

Poitras says she has grown close to the other people she works with.

As for the community, she says they have to get to know her. Once they do, she says she is welcomed by the people she has met.

"We're just here to do our job the best we can."