St. Thomas, ON – Thursday November 16th 2023
The St. Thomas Police Service recently achieved a significant milestone by becoming the inaugural law enforcement agency to host specialized training conducted by Jeff St. Denis of Culture Catalyst. As part of our in-service fall training, the goal was to equip all members of our service with vital skills and insights to foster inclusivity, with a particular focus on understanding and supporting the 2SLGBTQI+ community.
“Creating inclusive and engaged workplaces” – that is the objective of Culture Catalyst, a service-oriented consulting firm that offers diversity and inclusion strategies to various organizations throughout the Country. Over the course of four dates, we welcomed Jeff St. Denis, a distinguished expert in cultural awareness and community engagement, to lead these sessions. His commitment to inclusivity and understanding, made him the ideal mentor as we navigate the complex landscape of community relations.
The training sessions centered on a range of crucial topics, spotlighting:
- Cultivating Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity:
With a focus on inclusivity within the 2SLGBTQI+ community, we learned the importance of cultural sensitivity in our interactions. St. Denis emphasized the need for a respectful and understanding approach when engaging with diverse populations.
- Nurturing Engagement within the 2SLGBTQI+ Community:
The training underscored strategies to bridge gaps and foster understanding within the 2SLGBTQI+ community. St. Denis provided insights to ensure officers engage in a supportive, non-discriminatory and empathetic manner.
- Conflict Resolution and Building Trust:
Special emphasis was placed on conflict resolution techniques, particularly regarding sensitive issues within the 2SLGBTQI+ community. Establishing trust through community engagement initiatives was a highlighted strategy.
- Leadership Development and Advocacy:
This initiative highlights the commitments of St. Thomas Police Service in meeting the modern moment in delivering public safety services. Chief Marc Roskamp remarked, “It is a priority for our members to understand, appreciate, recognize and respond with informed strategies and approaches to the changing demographics in our community.”
The training revealed that over one million Canadians identify under the diverse umbrellas within the 2SLGBTQI+ communities. This knowledge reinforces the critical need for our service to be well-versed in understanding and supporting our community.
The impact of this training extends far beyond the police service, potentially fostering improved relations, deeper trust, and a safer environment for the diverse 2SLGBTQI+ community within St. Thomas.
Culture Catalyst training led by Jeff St. Denis follows through on our objective to be a compassionate police service whereby inclusionary practices and policies promote equity of outcomes for all.
Samantha Wakefield
Corporate Communications Coordinator
St. Thomas Police Service
Samantha Wakefield
Corporate Communications Coordinator
St. Thomas Police
