POLICE CHARGING POLICIES & DOMESTIC VIOLENCE - Native ...

f) Need for Self-Policing for First NationsNative Justice ResponseAboriginal people would feel more comfortable policing their own communities.However, one area of great concern could be the impartiality of the Indian Actgovernments. Concern was expressed for Indian Act Chiefs or Councillors who are alsoabusers. Some women feel that violence is a matter for the individual, the family andfriends, or a matter for aboriginal governments because they are "Natives themselves."A combined effort is required which would include the police (Royal Canadian MountedPolice), medical profession, counselling services, and women's shelters.g) Need for the Involvement of Non-Aboriginal ProfessionalsPolice ResponseMost family violence situations are not reported to police. In Ontario, efforts have beenmade by social service groups to deal with the problem, but the success of those effortshave not been measured.h) Alternative Police CommissionPolice ResponseAnother alternative for dealing with family violence could be the establishment of aPolice Commission. The Police Commission would be comprised of representativesfrom one or more aboriginal communities. It should also be seen as an independentbody from aboriginal governments. Various agencies can provide assistance in draftingthe policy. The establishment of a Police Commission would benefit Indian Act andMétis governments who do not generally deal with domestic violence situations. Therole of a Police Commission can only be theoretical at this point in time because wherea criminal act is committed, it is the responsibility of the police."As Aboriginally controlled police departments and regional or local policecommissions become more prevalent in Manitoba, it will be desirable to establisha provincial Aboriginal Police Commission to support and coordinate Aboriginalpolicing. It is our hope that this structure will not lessen the interest and supportrequired from each community, or reduce the sense of ownership thatcommunities should have concerning their police forces. Functions of thecommission might include the following: supporting the establishment ofAboriginal police forces through the province; establishing a training facility,standards, curriculum and continuing education for Aboriginal police officers;cooperating with the RCMP, the City of Winnipeg and other police forces inregard to officer training and the delivery of police services; overseeing thePg. 42