Members of the public took part in the Northern BC outreach and workshop session at the Fire Pit Culture Centre.
The Independent Investigations office (IIO) along with the Complaints Commission and the BC Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA), came to the Northern Capital to let people know the rights they have when dealing with police.
Joe Roberts attended the event and believes this helps vulnerable people.
.@iiobc holding its free workshop on the rights people have and any complaints they may have about how @PG_RCMP do their job | #CityofPG pic.twitter.com/1g7yInqBfn
— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) February 9, 2018
“People who frequent the Fire Pit are the most vulnerable people in Prince George. They’re the street people, the people suffering from addiction. They are really not clear on the roles of the police process because they’ve been victimized their entire life.”
Roberts is hoping more comes from these workshops.
“I would hope they come back and do follow up workshops, rather than once every five years or so. This should be an ongoing education process, because once people realize these workshops are happening in the city more people will come out.”
The free workshops were also held in both Terrace and Smithers, generating a positive outcome.
“They’ve raised some issues that we’ve been able to discuss and address that has helped open a dialogue, which is really important. All of these opportunities are learning opportunities for us, that will help us do our job, as we go down the road.” Stated IIO’s Chief Civilian Director Ron MacDonald.
MacDonald says being in the community is the best way to understand what more can be done.