Police develop resource booklet for new Canadians

New Canadians living in Calgary will soon have access to booklets meant to help them better understand how the law and police work in Canada.

The Diversity Resource Team of the Calgary Police Service has written a Newcomer’s Guide that covers topics like how to recognize police officers, what rights people have when dealing with the police, and how people can reach out if they need help. Some common crime and safety information is also included, such as driving laws, avoiding fraud and what to do about domestic violence.

The booklets have been translated into six languages spoken by communities that Diversity Resource Officers identified as having the most questions about policing in Canada. The booklets are available in English, Spanish, Punjabi, Hindi, Arabic, Somali and Tagalog. A colouring book for children is also available in the same languages.

“Often, people haven’t had positive interactions with police officers in their country of origin, which can happen for many reasons,” says Constable Garry Woods, with the Diversity Resource Team. “These experiences can prevent people from interacting with police when they need help. We hope this booklet will help break down these barriers and help newcomers understand how the police in Canada operate.”

The Calgary Police Service already has a few initiatives to help new Canadians get oriented to their new home. Officers give over 200 You and the Law presentations each year to teach new immigrants about Canada’s legal system and police. The Service also produced welcome videos in multiple languages to provide a quick introduction to Calgary police.

The Newcomer’s Guide and colouring book will give officers around the city another tool to reach out to the new immigrants they encounter. The booklets and all resources for new Canadians are available online at http://www.calgary.ca/CPSWelcomesYou.

Any community organization interested in having the Calgary Police Service provide a You and the Law presentation can arrange one by calling 403-428-8399 or visiting the program webpage.