Hello again everyone, I hope your summer is going well. I am very excited to soon be leaving for a conference for LGBTQ* Criminal Justice professionals in Amsterdam, which coincides with an opportunity to take part in EuroPride 2016. I see this as a tremendous opportunity to represent the Calgary Police Service on a world stage, and get the chance to learn some new skills that will make me more effective with the community here in Calgary, as well as with CPS’ own LGBTQ* staff.
That takes me nicely to the delicate subject that is Pride Parade here in September. Please note that I am reluctant to go into too much detail in print, because it is easy for things to be taken out of context or to be misinterpreted. I will reiterate that I am completely transparent and available to chat with or meet anyone who wishes to do so, in order to fully explain the position from our side of the fence.
Obviously I am aware of the discussions that are taking place with some community members that are opposed to CPS participation in the parade. It may surprise some of you to know that I welcome that discussion. As hard as I have been working over the past 4 plus years, as much as the service is supporting me, and despite the relative good relationship between CPS and the community in general, I acknowledge that there may be issues for some members of the community. We are doing a lot of things well, but maybe there are things that we could do differently that would make our relationship with the community better.
The only way that we can be part of the solution is if we are invited to take part in communication surrounding the problems, and I am hopeful that this may occur in the near future. Communication is a two-way street, and we are only ever as good as the information that we get given. My community advisory board and I have always worked to develop a positive relationship with you all in the hope that trust may be created should you ever find yourselves in a position of crisis and you needed police help.
It would be easy for me to say there are few indications of problems and to point to the fact that there are few complaints, either directly or indirectly to me, but I am not that naïve. I know that there are issues that concern you regarding safety and the police. What we all need to do is work harder to change the fear that some of you have in terms of coming forward and telling us about what is happening. It seems like a vicious circle, but unless we know where the problems lie then it is difficult to affect the changes. It is important for you to know that I am completely sympathetic to your concerns and want to try and help, I just need to be given that chance.
I remain convinced that the relationship between the community and the police here in Calgary is uniquely strong, and really do believe that together we can be leaders in all of this. I want to see a situation where we can stand together and acknowledge our differences, but still show the rest of the world that we can walk together for the greater good of the community.
As always, please stay safe and look out for each other. Feel free to connect with me if you have any questions, comments or concerns, and I assure you of my best attention at all times.
