Professional Development Centre for Aboriginal Policing

Police officers delivering services to Aboriginal communities face unique policing challenges stemming from complex social issues and isolation in remote locations. They are called to function as law enforcers and peacekeepers in the traditional sense. Often seen as a “social safety net”, they are frequently called to fill in or take a leadership role where other services are lacking. Consequently, they require relevant and specialized training to effectively respond to the legal, emotional and cultural aspects of policing in these environments. 

Recognizing this reality, the Aboriginal and policing communities expressed the need for culturally appropriate and relevant training to improve policing skills, interoperability and to more efficiently use police resources. To meet that need, the Canadian Police College created the Professional Development Centre for Aboriginal Policing (PDCAP) in 2006.

PDCAP is the only program in Canada that is completely dedicated to providing advanced training specifically for police officers working in Aboriginal communities. It offers courses in management, enforcement techniques, crime prevention and all training is designed to educate police officers on key social issues prevalent in many First Nation and Aboriginal communities.

The Senior Police Administration Course (SPAC) is geared specifically to police managers working in Aboriginal communities. Topic-specific courses such as Organized Crime Disruption in the Aboriginal Community (OCDAC), Aboriginal Gang Prevention and Diversion Strategies (AGPDS) and the Integrated Approaches to Domestic Violence (IADV) focus on enhancing the capacity of police to deal with crime and its social implications. Workshops designed to aid in organizational and employee wellness on topics such as stress, governance and hot button issues are also available.

PDCAP courses provide participants with specialized and advanced practical training delivered by top-quality facilitators. Based on a cooperative approach to problem-solving, the courses are intensive, highly interactive and allow participants the opportunity to meet and develop working relationships with police managers from Aboriginal communities across Canada.  All PDCAP courses take place at least once yearly, and are offered at various sites in Canada. Please click on a course for a detailed description and for registration information.

Contact: Inspector Len Busch, Manager, PDCAP, 613.949.3772 or Lennard.Busch@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

• Aboriginal Gang Prevention and Diversion Strategies
• Critical Incident Stress Management for Police Leaders Workshop (CISMPL)
• Integrated Approaches to Domestic Violence in the Aboriginal Community (IADV)
• Organized Crime Disruption in the Aboriginal Community (OCDAC)
• Senior Police Administration Course (SPAC)