10 Decolonization and Policing: Exploring Alternatives to the Current State of P
10 Decolonization and Policing: Exploring Alternatives to the Current State of Policing
Aiden Mcmartin
Title: Decolonization and Policing: Exploring Alternatives to the Current State of Policing
Aiden McMartin
Abstract
The impacts of colonization have left lasting impacts on policing. This chapter incorporates evidence from the RCMP’s pass and permit systems, the Starlight Tours, the Indian Act, Residential Schooling systems, Indian reservations, and the 1969 White Paper, which demonstrates the diverse ways historical colonial policing practices shaped Indigenous peoples’ current relationships with police. Exploring past colonial examples allows for an understanding of the severity of police interactions. In the current state of policing, de-escalation practices are increasingly being implemented and studied. On the contrary, many communities argue that police should be defunded. Through exploration of current police systems and practices, the pattern is dependent on the community’s needs. Decolonized policing puts the power back into Indigenous communities to create a community-relevant program that addresses their needs. Ultimately, this chapter aims to highlight that a more rigorous nation-to-nation relationship will emerge and persist by allowing policing services and training to be reclaimed by Indigenous peoples, shaped by Indigenous traditions, and democratically controlled by Indigenous values.
Introduction
Policing is a crucial and common practice in communities. Many people will interact with a police officer at some point throughout their life. The interaction could be a positive experience, such as asking for directions or being assisted by an officer. It could also be an unpleasant experience, such as being issued a speeding ticket or noise complaint. In some cases, however, one’s negative experience with the police can be far more serious. For example, the Canadian Government employed the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to implement social policies, such as placing Indigenous youth in Residential Schools and enforcing pass and permit systems (Jones et al., 2014, p. 5). Jones et al. report that these systems are considered “discriminatory, destructive, and paternalistic” in current times (2014, p. 5). In the United States, the death of Eric Garner was filmed by bystanders as he told the police and bystanders multiple times, “I can’t breathe,” as officers restrained him (Stewart, 2018, p. 181). Stewart reports that Garner eventually lost consciousness and died (2018, p. 181). Garner was not the first nor the last high-profile, police involved killing. Other victims of police officers include but are not limited to Trayvon Martin, Mike Brown, and Freddie Gray (Stewart, 2018, p. 181).
Encounters with the police can create lasting impacts on individuals, communities, and the world. In recent years, the world has seen more police killings and police brutality. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights noted an “alarming”