RCMP must acknowledge the force’s racist underpinnings – Policy Options

July 28, 2020

Evidently, RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki, other police officials and various politicians would benefit from a primer on racism and systemic racism and what these concepts have to do with policing. Lucki has had to backpedal since mid-June after initially denying the existence of systemic racism in her organization. To understand systemic racism in the force, one must first scrutinize and acknowledge the RCMP’s colonial history.

The design and creation of any social institution reflects the attitudes and beliefs of its founders. The premises introduced during the founding of an organization will become embedded in its structures. When an organization’s founders are animated by stereotypical ideas of the superiority of certain peoples, and the inferiority of others, these stereotypes will be baked right into the organization’s design. They will influence how recruitment is conducted, and which groups are favoured sources of recruits. They will influence how the practices of the organization are developed, and whom those practices disadvantage and advantage. They will influence how people are trained and promoted. They will determine what accountability mechanisms focus on, and what sorts of conduct are excused or disciplined.

Read More: https://policyoptions.irpp.org/magazines/july-2020/rcmp-must-acknowledge-the-forces-racist-underpinnings/