Officer's goal to bridge gap

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Helping Aboriginal community motivates constable

The first question that pops into mind on meeting Randy Wickins is what is a blue-eyed red-head doing working as a Native liaison officer?

Besides, there's no mistaking Wickins for anything other than a cop. The 32-year-old has been with the Edmonton Police Services for eight years. He walks with a wary confidence and sports the short hair and moustache that seems to be derigueur for police officers.

Wickins also has a ready smile and a background in Native studies at the University of Alberta.

"I'm fascinated by Native studies. I want to learn more and figure out how I can help breach the gap between non-Natives and Natives," said Wickins. "There's a problem between police service and the Native community, and that revolves around how each perceive each other," he said.

Six years spent as a beat cop in Edmonton's downtown core taught Wickins a bit about how misunderstandings between the two cultures cause often-unnecessary clashes. His negotiating skills grew sharper, adding to his success dealing with potentially explosive situations.

From Edmonton's mean streets, Wickins transferred to St. Joe's High School to serve as a resource officer. Approximately 1,700 students from 50 countries attend the school, making it a multicultural melting pot.

While at the school, Wickins was involved in counselling, gave talks about the court system and investigated criminal cases, including sexual and physical assaults.

The Native counsellors at St. Joe's helped Wickins gain insight into issues affecting Aboriginal and increased his desire to work with the community.

"I'm not a wannabe. I know I will never be an Indian," he said, comfortably. "I want to help a community, and that community is the Aboriginal one. I have an interest in all aspects of their spirituality and traditions."

For more information on the Edmonton Police multicultural relations unit, contact Const. Wickins at 421-2822.