MFNPS Troop 5 - Open Dialogue

Manitoba First Nations Police Service Recruit Class Troop 5 - Week 8 of 26

My first week of instructing the recruits in Troop 5 of the Manitoba First Nations Police Service was memorable for all the right reasons. A small class of 11 provided opportunities to interact and share not just my course content, but also the importance of maintaining emotional and spiritual wellness throughout a career in law enforcement.

The benefits of tapping into resources such as police chaplaincy, counsel from Elders, peer to peer support, and employee wellness teams cost nothing, and lead to an investment "in self" that will promote and build resilience so that when a crisis occurs an officer will not bottom out. Suicide is a topic that needs to be discussed at a recruit level; it should not be an elephant in the room. Experienced officers and police chaplains should be a resource to not only providing recruits with the basics in policing, but offering a safe place for open dialogue that will promote overall wellness and longevity.

Thank you to the 11 who listened to my lectures, but also heard my heart. MFNPS has hired another 11 quality persons who are hungry to grow in knowledge and understanding of what it takes to become peacemakers in First Nations communities; to lead by example from skill sets developed during your 26-week equipping journey. I look forward to my next week with Troop 5 in May.

Congrats to newly appointed MFNPS Police Chief Jason Colon and your team who are continuing to build upon Chief Doug Palson's legacy to strengthen and expand 24/7 dedicated and quality protection and service to MB First Nation's communities.