Background

The Niagara Regional Police Service Chief of Police – Community Inclusion Council (CoP-CIC) was formed in recognition of the need to enhance the relationship between the Police and the increasingly diverse communities of the Niagara Region that we serve. 

Value Statement: 

Through collaboration, transparency, a strong communication strategy and in partnership with the community, we are committed to:

  • Acknowledging the TRC (Truth and Reconciliation Commission) and MMIWG (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls) National Inquiry findings and supporting the resulting Calls to Action as a priority;
  • Endorsing diversity and inclusivity to foster an environment of respect, understanding and value of differences in our community;
  • Developing, nurturing, supporting and promoting a culture of diversity and inclusivity;
  • Recognizing that diversity and inclusivity are central to the Niagara Region being viewed as a welcoming and safe community;
  • Affirming the dignity of all and respecting the Ontario Human Rights Code protected grounds:  citizenship, race, place of origin, ethnic origin, colour, ancestry, disability, age, creed, sex/pregnancy, family status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, receipt of public assistance (in housing) and record of offences (in employment)

Mission

The Niagara Regional Police Service Chief of Police – Community Inclusion Council (CoP-CIC) is committed to its motto; "A community that works together for the safety of all". The council will promote access, equity, inclusion, and human rights for all residents of the Niagara Region and by making reconciliation with Indigenous peoples a priority.

Purpose 

The CoP-CIC is a cross table collaboration on matters related to equity, diversity, inclusion, and elimination of racism and discrimination on strategic priorities using an intersectional and community driven approach. The CoP-CIC is not a substitute for public consultation but provides a structured mechanism for ongoing community liaison and advises the Chief of Police, and the Service, on approaches to enhance equity-related strategies and engagement in the community.

The CoP-CIC offers strategic advice, tools and services that promote and embed inclusionary policies and practices into NRPS services and programs in order to produce equity of outcomes for the community.

The CoP-CIC ensures that the Service’s efforts are informed through direct and ongoing engagement with Indigenous peoples, diverse groups, and community leaders. The CoP-CIC acts as a resource for the Chief of Police by providing expert advice on equity policy and framework, the implementation of ideas, and relevant matters and situations. The CoP-CIC provides an intersectional equity lens, which is especially important as the Service works through growth and change while supporting capacity to serve an increasingly diverse population and workforce.

 Scope

In Scope

The CoP-CIC informs and collaborates regarding strategies, approaches, and public policy issues that are within the jurisdiction of the NRPS to manage and deliver.

The CoP-CIC provides an opportunity for the Service and community partners to come together to identify, discuss and make recommendations, on best practices in serving the community in an equitable and inclusive manner.

The CoP-CIC will:

-         Provide recommendations to NRPS staff in situations when the Service could benefit from input from community partners but a formal public consultation may not be feasible or practicable at the time.

-         Promote and enhance Niagara Region as a safe region and improve the quality of life for all residents.

-         Advise the Chief on promoting equity, inclusion and diversity in the way the Service delivers programs and services.

-         Position the NRPS and the Chief of Police with knowledge and resources to encourage a range of perspectives, experiences and ideas in decision-making.

-         Provide advice and support in the development and implementation of policies and programs related to diversity, equity and inclusion.

- Work together for the Service to attend events to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion.

-         Share and promote regional equity, inclusion, and diversity events fostering cross-collaboration between diverse groups, the community at large, and the NRPS.

 

Out of Scope

CoP-CIC is not a substitute for public consultation.

CoP-CIC will not directly instruct or govern the Niagara Regional Police Services Board or individual members/units of the NRPS. 

CoP-CIC is not responsible for determining NRPS budget or resourcing decisions. 
 Membership

The CoP-CIC is comprised of approximately 20 members, including individual stakeholders, representatives from local institutions and community-based organizations. Membership is by invitation or by a solicitation of public interest.

Proxies or alternate members will be permitted, subject to the same approval and background check as the primary.

Membership is voluntary and members will not be financially compensated for participation.

Members are required to attend all meetings and will be requested to provide their reasons for continued membership if more than four meetings per year are missed.

Prospective members are required to submit a Background Check Authorization for membership.  The Background Check results will not be shared with the public.  The Background Check results will only be shared with the Chief or their designate in order to ensure that members are representative of the values, mission, and purpose of the CoP-CIC and whose membership will not disparage the reputation of the NRPS and/or the CoP-CIC.  

The CoP-CIC provides a venue for the discussion of ideas and strategies; therefore members are required to sign non-disclosure agreements.  The CoP-CIC recognizes the important role(s) that members play in the community and as such the non-disclosure agreement is not more restrictive than is absolutely necessary to protect the integrity of the CoP-CIC.  
 Representation

Members will bring their lived experience, knowledge and skills to collaborate with the Service and support the equity initiatives, strategies and delivery. The CoP-CIC will ensure appropriate intersectional representation of the following groups, including but not limited to:

  • Francophone individuals
  • Immigrants and refugees
  • Indigenous peoples
  • 2SLGBTQQIA+
  • Multi-faith groups
  • People with disabilities
  • Persons with low Income
  • Racialized people
  • Undocumented individuals
  • Vulnerable Seniors
  • Vulnerable Youth
  • Women

 

In addition, members will be sought to ensure a diverse representation of the Niagara Region the CoP CIC.

Representation and membership will be reviewed annually by CoP-CIC and NRPS staff to ensure that all relevant sectors involved in equity issues and services are represented and that individual members are engaged and effective. Where a particular diverse group is identified as underrepresented on the CoP-CIC, new members based on representation of group, sector, community or neighbourhood may be sought.

A full list of current members is maintained by CoP-CIC and NRPS staff and is available upon request.
 Chair and Co-Chair

The CoP-CIC will be chaired by the Chief of Police.
Term

Members of the CoP-CIC are appointed for a minimum two-year term. Membership will be re-evaluated as required.
 Meetings

Logistics

Meetings will be scheduled a minimum of eight times per year. Each meeting will be scheduled for two hours.  NRPS staff will be present at all meetings. NRPS staff will organize meetings and create agendas. 

 

Quorum

At least 50% plus one member must be present for all CoP-CIC meetings. If Quorum is not met the meeting will be cancelled and/or rescheduled.

 

 

For more information on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and  / or the Niagara Regional Police Services Chief of Police – Community Inclusion Council please consider contacting: 

Edi@niagarapolice.ca