UNDERSTANDING INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' ENGAGEMENT WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT: A STUDY OF CONTACT AND CONFIDENCE
G. Grayson Adams , School of social work, University of Windsor, CanadaAbstract
The relationship between Indigenous peoples and law enforcement agencies has been a subject of considerable attention, particularly due to historical and ongoing issues surrounding systemic discrimination, cultural misunderstandings, and a lack of trust. This study explores the dynamics of Indigenous peoples' engagement with law enforcement, focusing on the extent and nature of contact, as well as the levels of confidence and trust in police services. Through surveys and interviews with Indigenous individuals and communities, the research examines how factors such as personal experience with law enforcement, perceived biases, and cultural differences shape their interactions with police officers. The findings highlight significant disparities in the ways Indigenous peoples view law enforcement, with many expressing a lack of confidence in the police, particularly in relation to issues of accountability and fairness. The study also explores potential pathways for improving police-Indigenous relations, including cultural sensitivity training for law enforcement, community policing models, and greater involvement of Indigenous voices in shaping law enforcement policies. Understanding these relationships is critical to fostering safer and more equitable interactions between Indigenous communities and law enforcement agencies.
Keywords
Indigenous Peoples, Law Enforcement, Police Relations
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