Nunavut RCMP Says "Burnout" a Possible Contributor to Recent Conduct

Tuesday, 9 June 2020 13:46

Chief Superintendent Amanda Jones says officer burnout in small detachments with significant social problems may be contributing to officer conduct that has sparked outrage in Nunavut.

Jones says the officers work in communities with some of Canada's highest rates of violent crime, suicide, and substance abuse.

She says in most detachments, officers are either on call or on duty 24-7, and that while members are always accountable, she also has to ask if there's more she could be doing to look after their mental health.

Jones made the comments over concerns about how the force treats Inuit in Nunavut - the most recent example of which was the arrest of an intoxicated Inuit man being knocked over by the door of slow moving police vehicle.

Jones says the force will be bringing in a new cultural awareness course and trying to start a program for community people to work alongside officers.

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