The RCMP Foundation, Canadian Police College (CPC) and the Motorola Solutions Foundation announce the creation of the Aboriginal Policing Professional Development Fund (APPDF). The Motorola Solutions Foundation has donated $100,000 towards the creation of the APPDF, which provides First Nations Police Professionals with opportunities to take part in much needed specialized police education and training offered by the CPC.
Photo L-R: Fred Semerjian, President & CEO, RCMP Foundation; Karen Tandy, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, Motorola Solutions; Inspector Lennard Busch, Director Professional Development Center for Aboriginal Policing; George Krausz, President, Motorola Solutions Canada; Michael Hortie, Chairman, RCMP Foundation; RCMP Deputy Commissioner Steve Graham.
“The Motorola Solutions Foundation is dedicated to investing in Public Safety Education initiatives. Partnering with the RCMP Foundation and the CPC is a perfect fit as it provides timely and necessary funding for an important need in First Nations communities across the country,” said Matt Blakely, director, Motorola Solutions Foundation.
The RCMP Foundation has partnered with the CPC who, in 2006, created the Professional Development Centre for Aboriginal Policing — the only training unit in Canada that is completely dedicated to delivering relevant and culturally appropriate training for First Nations and Aboriginal Policing. In addition, the CPC will be funding the travel costs for all successful bursary applicants.
“First Nations and Aboriginal communities in Canada rely on their police service as a ‘social safety net,’” said Inspector Lennard Busch, Director Professional Development Center for Aboriginal Policing at the CPC in Ottawa. “Standardized policing methods used by larger police services in municipalities across Canada may not necessarily be transferrable to an Aboriginal community’s needs and demands. The CPC’s courses are tailor-made for police professionals looking to hone their skills and knowledge with advanced and specialized training.”
In some cases, funding for police training/education has been limited or cut in many Aboriginal Communities across Canada. The APPDF will provide opportunities for at least 30 Police professionals from across Canada to participate in training activities and to develop skills and techniques that they can employ in their communities.
“First Nations Police Services, in addition to enforcing laws, are also expected to be peacekeepers and use traditional approaches in addressing and problem solving social issues inherent to many Aboriginal communities,” explains Fred Semerjian, President & CEO of the RCMP Foundation. “The RCMP Foundation is proud to partner with Motorola Solutions Foundation Canada and the Canadian Police College in playing a role in enhancing the ability of Police Services to better serve their communities.”
