As the RCMP initiates race-based data collection, lingering trauma haunts immigrants with painful police memories – Western Wheel
Temitope Oriola, professor of criminology and sociology at the University of Alberta, says that while the collection of race-based data by the RCMP is a long overdue step, it is merely a baby step in a long journey towards harmonious relations between the police and communities they serve.
The collection of race-based data by the RCMP can’t come soon enough for some members of Canada’s diaspora communities, particularly for those who have been traumatized by law enforcement officials in their countries of origin.
With nearly half of newcomers to Canada originating from countries marked by social unrest or war, many – particularly those from authoritarian states – arrive with well-founded fears of the police.
The RCMP announced that it would begin last month to collect race-based data in a few detachments, in part to help it deal with systemic racism and discrimination.
However, Temitope Oriola, professor of criminology and sociology at the University of Alberta, says that while the collection of race-based data is a long overdue step, it is merely a baby step in a long journey towards harmonious relations between the police and communities they serve.
