Open Door Society has police presence

The Regina Police Service has set up shop at the Regina Open Door Society (RODS) as yet another step in forming early relationships with newcomers.

For two hours on Wednesday afternoons, clients of the immigrant and refugee organization can chat with members of the police force’s cultural and community diversity unit. The satellite office at RODS provides an accessible, relaxed, familiar environment in which to ask questions, said Const. Brandi Arnold.

The unit also relays stories from newcomers back to officers so that they have a better understanding of their feelings toward police.

The Regina Police Service has a long-standing partnership with RODS, giving frequent presentations on laws and policing in Canada.

More than delivering information, Arnold said this partnership is important for building relationships with newcomers and breaking down the barrier of mistrust. While Arnold said newcomers’ perceptions of police vary, “What we hear primarily is that, ‘Back in my country there’s no way I’d be talking to a police officer.’”

That’s how Getachew Woldeyesus, now RODS’ manager of settlement and family services, felt about police when he first moved to Regina in the 1980s as a refugee from Ethiopia.

Woldeyesus recalled one instance where he was frightened that police were following him in his car. He ended up being pulled over and explained his fear to officers. The officer took down his name and passed it on to the cultural relations unit. That led to a conversation with the unit about his concerns, a tour of the police station, and participation in the Citizens’ Police Academy.

It’s a progression Arnold has seen before. She remembers giving a presentation last summer where a boy from Syria was frightened by Arnold in her uniform because of negative perceptions of police in his country.

“They have this preconceived notion that when they come here that it’s really not going to be any different,” she said.

By the end of a tour of police headquarters, he declared he wanted to become an officer one day.

During the tours, which are conducted to show the building is open to the public, newcomers can’t believe they’re allowed to take photographs with the officers, Arnold said.

“I think it’s just such a bizarre concept for them to think that: No. 1, we can trust police — they’re helping — but (also) look at how friendly and personable they are as well,” she said.

This relationship between newcomers and police also builds trust that makes it more likely they will report crimes and provide information to help officers, Woldeyesus said.

The Regina Police Service has partnerships with handful of other organizations in the city that deal with newcomers as well.