Statement from Chris Adams, Executive Officer, Thunder Bay Police Service September 24, 2016 "Ontario has one of the most robust and responsive governance models for policing in the world. The right to file a complaint against police and to have that complaint investigated thoroughly by a civilian oversight agency is a critical piece of our democracy. It makes transparency a top priority. These oversight agencies also determine which complaints are false and which ones are true. We recognize that there is a long standing distrust of police by Indigenous people. TBPS Chief Levesque has worked diligently to build a positive relationship with the leaders of the Nishnawbi Aski Nation. There have been a number of instances where this relationship has been effective in bringing concerns forward for resolution. We have worked directly with NAN Legal Services to support their role as advocates for persons who have are not comfortable or confident in bringing complaints forward. When mistakes are made, we must take responsibility for them. Reviews of policing practices create a great opportunity to evolve how policing services are provided. While not perfect, Ontario has adopted legislation within the Police Services Act to govern how police conduct street contacts with citizens. This takes effect January 1, 2017. We are preparing for that through training and policy updates. We all have bias. If we accept the reality that bias exists at every level of society, then we must acknowledge that it will take continuing efforts to diminish its effect on the services our institutions provide. Bias free policing is necessary and takes an ongoing commitment to ensure its success. The Thunder Bay Police Service has participated in learning opportunities involving Indigenous culture for nearly 2 decades. This learning is part of the overall education our members receive in cultural diversity. This is an ongoing process. There is a cultural divide in our country which needs to be healed. We all have a role to play in learning about the things that have kept us apart and building on what we have in common. One way conversations won’t work, honest two-way dialogues needs to occur. We want that to happen. We must always remember that beneath the issues, the uniforms and the challenges, we are all human. Our goal should be the formation of a just and honorable society where everyone has a respected voice."