Getting ready to watch a press conference from the RCMP about comments made by Deputy Commissioner Zablocki about systemic racism, and details on the investigation relating to the arrest of Chief Allan Adam. Will have details here. Watch on our website @660NEWS #yeg #ab
We all know the background on Chief Adam. But also, earlier this week Zablocki told a press conference in Edmonton that he didn't believe systemic racism was an issue in policing. He revised the claim later on by stating "racist individuals can be anywhere throughout our society"
Correction, we will not be hearing about the Adam investigation. Only hearing from Zablocki here. Press officer says they can't comment on Adam due to sensitivities around it being actively investigated.
Zablocki comes to the podium. He starts by detailing his statement and a need to listen and learn from the community
Since making his statements, Zablocki says he has spoken to many people including the indigenous community and RCMP colleagues about racism. They have challenged his perceptions, and made it clear systemic racism does exist in the RCMP.
Zablocki says there's a lot of work to be done in policing, especially in challenging unconscious bias.
Now just hearing a French translation of the speech before moving ahead
Questions now. First one asks why this statement is coming today. Zablocki says it isn't because of the Adam situation, and he was having conversations through the week. "A week of reflecting, learning and understanding."
Follow-up about Adam, though. Zablocki can't say much and it's out of their hands here.
Zablocki asked again about Adam. ASIRT is investigating, calls them a vital aspect of accountability. Don't want to interfere with their practices.
What changed your mind here about systemic racism? Zablocki says it was getting the perspective on what it is. Needed to Google terms like structural racism and implicit bias. Says he needed a better understanding of that whole topic.
What will he done? Listen to people and communities to try and understand even more. Searching for positive changes in service delivery and working on a reconciliation strategy in Alberta. No real firm commitments here though.
How do you define systemic racism? Thinks it means that many organizations have discrimination built into policies and such. RCMP has had "bumps along the way" and they need to dig into policies to make sure they're inclusive and equitable.
Another question about Adam, and he won't answer it due to the investigation.
What message do you have for minorities? Zablocki says he didn't intend to offend anyone here. Hopes everyone feels fairly treated by the police.
Reaction to calls to resign? Zablocki says it wasn't his intention to minimize anyone's experiences and he has learned a lot this week. Also, wants the RCMP to continue doing work on combatting systemic racism in Alberta.
Do you think there should be more training about this? Zablocki says that's a good point and they need to look at that. Says recruits receive training in bias free policing, but maybe they can strengthen that and reinforce continual training for officers.
Another question relating to the Adam arrest. Zablocki cannot comment on the nature of the events in the video.
Amount of hours spent training on these issues? Zablocki can't give exact numbers, but says it happens throughout an officer's career and is ongoing.
Press conference is over now.
Also, RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki released a statement which offers no specifics and says all the common buzzwords like "positive change" and "thoughtful action". rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/news/2020/s…
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