Working with our partners

“D” Division is proud that in each community we serve, our members meet with the public on a regular basis. These meetings are an opportunity to set local policing priorities, discuss solutions and provide updates.

“D” Division also addresses the RCMP’s five National strategic priorities:

• Serious and Organized Crime
• National Security
• Youth
• Aboriginal Communities
• Economic Integrity

The RCMP is dedicated to working closely and developing strong ties with visible minority communities. To solidify that dedication, “D” Division appointed Cpl. David Ogungbemi as the Cultural Diversity Officer. He has traveled to rural and urban Manitoba communities, including Thompson, Steinbach and Elie, to hear the concerns of visible minority community members and service providers and their ideas on enhancing police services. Cpl. Ogungbemi has been developing rapport with visible minority communities by opening lines of communication, building trust, getting to know and understand their cultures, listening to their concerns, and raising awareness of how the RCMP works. Cpl. Ogungbemi will continue to actively promote cultural awareness not only among community members and their leaders but also among “D” Division members through workshops, presentations and training sessions.

In the fall of 2009 RCMP “D” Division created the position of the Metis Initiatives Coordinator to foster improved communications between the RCMP and Manitoba Metis Federation. Cpl. Rick Sinclair has filled the position since August 2010, working out of both Division HQ and the Metis Justice Institute of the Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) Home Office in Winnipeg. Manitoba Metis community members have indicated that overall they are satisfied with the policing service provided by RCMP “D” Division, where feedback and concerns are promptly communicated to the Detachment Commander. Cpl. Sinclair’s role will further strengthen the RCMP and MMF’s valuable working relationship.

Corporal Gabe Simard was named the new RCMP Liaison Officer assigned to the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Inc. Corporal Simard, a ten year veteran RCMP officer, will take over the position formerly held by Constable Monique Cooper since 2009. The assignment will remain on a full-time basis to work in partnership with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs on behalf of the RCMP. Open, two-way communication is key between the RCMP and First Nation citizens in Manitoba. The Liaison Officer position stationed at AMC improves the RCMP’s ability to better understand community concerns in the quest to enhance and improve service delivery to First Nation communities.

This liaison position has been tremendously successful in keeping First Nation leadership informed and maintaining an open line of communication with the RCMP. – Grand Chief Ron Evans, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.