REGINA – Regina’s Police Chief said police had no choice but to release an open letter about racial profiling following concerns in the community.
Chief Troy Hagen says he felt compelled to release the letter because the group Saskatchewan Coalition Against Racism (SCAR) has been raising the issue of racism within the police service, but has yet to accept a meeting with the police.
“We had made several efforts, at least ten, and I’m likely being conservative, efforts to meet with them,” Hagen said.
The letter was posted online Wednesday and Hagen says it was important to respond to publicly so as not to leave the impression that the Regina Police Service is indifferent to the group’s concerns.
SCAR has held several public rallies that accused police of targeting people based on their race or age and using excessive force.
“I do not for a moment believe the list of concerns is representative of our broader community and that’s based on our community perception surveys we’ve been doing every two years,” Hagen added.
A spokesperson for SCAR would not provide Global News with an interview but stated over the phone he doesn’t believe the letter should have been released.
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