Policing institute to open in Vancouver

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Specialized training for First Nations police officers will soon become available in British Columbia, courtesy of the Aboriginal Policing Doctorate.

The proposed Aboriginal Nations Training Institute will offer a standardized police training program with emphasis on policing First Nations communities. The institute, to be located in Vancouver at the Justice Institute of B.C., will include courses on Aboriginal heritage, cultural awareness and field training in First Nations communities.

Recruits will have to meet the same standards and criteria as non-Aboriginal police, opening the door for increased responsibilities within communities.

Since 1992 a total of 19 tripartite policing agreement between First Nations, provincial and federal governments have been signed, encompassing approximately 160 communities across Canada in the First nations Policing Program.

For more information on the program in British Columbia, contact Mike Leach at (604) 256-7767.