death of tyre nichols in Memphis, Tenn., is igniting buzz about Police in Saskatchewan.
Regina Police Service (RPS) Chief Evan Bray made a statement on Twitter on behalf of the RPS regarding the death of Nichols, a 29-year-old Black motorist who died on January 10 from injuries sustained in a confrontation with police during a traffic stop. Five sacked officers have been blamed for his death,
“I reached out last night to reach out to some of our city leaders who are members of the black community,” Bray said in a video. “Our police service, sickened by what is unfolding, is even more determined than ever to work with the community to build meaningful relationships and importantly as committed to transparency, accountability and oversight as we seek to build good relationships. And communities know with commitment, they can count on our police service.
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Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) Chief Troy Cooper said in a prepared statement that he also reached out to local black community leaders to discuss the issue and offer support. He emphasized the importance that SPS continues to work to build trust in the community.
“Although this tragedy occurred in another country, it will impact trust and confidence in policing by Black and all equity-deserving communities in Canada,” Cooper said. “Our efforts to de-escalate and increase unconscious bias training are the first steps, and the community-led redesign of our Advisory Committee on Diversity to include Black voices will continue… Together we can end this unnecessary and tragic loss of life.” condemn the loss.”
Obianuju Juliet Bushi, who formerly sat on the board of police commissioners, said that Nichols’ death would increase fear and vulnerability towards police officers within the black community and that this is something that will unfortunately continue.
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“We’ve had a bad history with police officers and certainly the (RPS) chief is doing his best to engage with black communities in Regina,” Bushey said. “But unfortunately, we’ve just taken 10 steps back from not having a voice at that table.”
Bushi most recently sat on the Board of Police Commissioners until December 2022, when her term expired and was not renewed for 2023. She conducts research in policing at the University of Regina and says the community is growing but needs a voice to represent the historical experiences Black people have had with the police. Bushey expressed disappointment that there is no black representation on the Board of Police Commissioners.
“My voice on that police board was really very relevant and much needed, especially in this day and age,” she said. “They are failing to understand the needs and wants of Black people in Black culture and community, and to protect Black voices and Black people in Regina.”
The Regina Board of Police Commissioners consists of the mayor, two city councilors and four civilian members (one of whom must be of Indigenous descent).
A representative for the city of Regina said the current board members, who were appointed by the city council in November 2022, were recommended under consideration by Sandra Masters, former chair of police commissioners.
Newly appointed chair Jada Yee, a civilian member who took office this month, said, “Going forward I think the commission will need to have aspects of all residents.”
“Obviously the black community, but I want to see members of the LGBTQ2S community and members of other communities as well.”
— With files from Conor O’Donovan.
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