Community partners successfully implement trauma-informed safety plan for Pride celebration

The RCMP recognizes the need for change and the necessity to modernize the delivery of police services. Advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in policing can best be achieved by collaborating with people with lived experience.

In Smithers, BC, the Situation Table, coordinated by Cst. Jocelyn Foidart, RSW, has made significant progress in building relationships with community partners, specifically the 2SLGBTQI+ community.

For the second year in a row, Cst. Jocelyn Foidart has collaborated with the Pride community to build a trauma-informed safety plan infused with the voices of people with lived experience. We are aware that police efforts to provide safety can be perceived as oppressive by the Pride community; therefore, this initiative focused on building trust.

Police officers who identify as 2SLGBTQI+ understand the complexities of navigating both worlds. They face the unique challenge of bridging the gap between their professional law enforcement role and their personal identities. Being involved in Pride celebrations can be incredibly important to our 2SLGBTQ+ members because Pride provides a sense of belonging to these officers.

Through vulnerable conversations about oppression, belonging, and resilience, these officers and community members have forged relationships that have become friendships. Together, they have seamlessly collaborated to create a truly inclusive event. Through innovative approaches and collaboration with community partners, we can strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.

This year's Pride celebration saw the participation of Out on Patrol, marking their first-ever Pride celebration in the North. The event featured activities such as Pride Storytime at the library and the main celebration at Bovill Square, both of which were met with overwhelming community support and participation.

We are dedicated to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all community members. This trauma-informed safety plan for Pride is a pivotal step in that direction. Collaborating with Smithers Pride has been invaluable; they have taught us how to approach our work in a more trauma-informed way. I am proud of the positive impact this collaboration is having in our community said Cst. Jocelyn Foidart, RSW