Vol. 69, Issue 1 2007
By RCMP Sgt Larry Aitken
Aboriginal CFSEU
In 2002, the RCMP, the Sûreté du Québec (SQ, Quebec’s provincial police force) and the First Nations Chiefs of Police in Quebec were facing a critical organized crime problem that was impacting communities across the province, the country and internationally. In particular, organized crime groups were having a socially detrimental effect on Quebec’s Aboriginal communities.
The intelligence clearly showed that certain exterior criminal factions were taking advantage of the insulated environment of the Aboriginal communities to promote their illicit activities. First Nations police officers needed proper training while the RCMP and SQ needed to build stronger ties with the Aboriginal communities to combat these traditional organized crime groups.
Innovative approach
Police were looking for an innovative approach to help these communities in their battle against organized crime. Given the increased deterioration of the social stability of various Aboriginal communities and a request for assistance by the Association of First Nations Chiefs of Police of Quebec (AFNCPQ), in May 2004 the RCMP in collaboration with the SQ and the AFNCPQ created the first Aboriginal Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU).
CFSEUs have proven successful when used as solid investigational platforms from which police agencies can attack and destabilize organized crime. Collaborating police services can share human, financial and material resources to improve communications, co-ordinate and centralize investigations, and enhance the sharing of criminal intelligence, expertise and best practices.
The principal mandate of those involved in this particular integrated project is to provide safe homes and safe communities, and to maintain peace, order and public security within the province of Quebec.
The Aboriginal CFSEU mission is the following:
- identify the structure of the various criminal cells and demonstrate their relationship to existing criminal organizations
- investigate, disrupt, prosecute and dismantle Aboriginal organized crime
- support and develop training initiatives for Aboriginal police officers
- encourage peace and social stability in Aboriginal communities
- build confidence through partnerships
- promote exposure to Aboriginal culture and customs
A Steering Committee composed of senior officers of the RCMP, SQ and AFNCPQ ensures that the unit uses its existing resources efficiently by prioritizing and co-ordinating police operations that target organized crime.
The success of the Aboriginal CFSEU is largely due to its design and delivery. It provides a quality training atmosphere, which promotes the sustained integration of First Nations police officers in organized crime investigations that touch Aboriginal communities. The CFSEU incorporates the First Nations Organized Crime Initiative. This initiative, which is funded by the Federal Minister of Public Security and Emergency Preparedness Canada, promotes the sustained training of First Nations officers in the battle against organized crime.
Results
Since its inception, the Aboriginal CFSEU has shown an incredible track record. Within a period of 13 months, 3 major organized crime projects have led to the arrest of more than 100 individuals. In addition, police have seized in excess of $10 million dollars and more than 500 criminal charges including gangsterism have been laid.
The Aboriginal CFSEU provides a broad portrait of the organized crime situation by centralizing the flow of criminal intelligence and by co-ordinating Aboriginal organized crime projects throughout the province. It also complements other organized crime units and encourages the use of crime prevention programs within the communities.
As a direct result of the ongoing successes of the Aboriginal CFSEU, the RCMP in collaboration with the Federal Minister of Public Security and Emergency Preparedness Canada, anticipates adopting Aboriginal CFSEUs across Canada to battle Aboriginal organized crime. The key to its success is its capacity and potential for portability.