Tsuut’ina police get relaxed among their community members at Bannock with a Badge event

Tsuut'ina police are trying a different approach to community policing, inviting younger people to sit with officers over bannock and coffee.

Police on the Tsuut’ina Nation are trying a different approach to community policing, inviting young people to sit down with officers over bannock and coffee rather than meeting them for the first time during a crisis.

The program, called Bannock with a Badge, is designed to make police officers more approachable by meeting youth and community members in relaxed, familiar settings without enforcement or pressure.

Tuesday’s event was at the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex.

Corp. Kenny Big Plume, an eight-year veteran of the Tsuut’ina Nation Police Service, says most police interactions typically happen at difficult moments, which can shape how officers are perceived.

“It’s whenever we interact with people; it’s never in an ideal time and place. It’s kind of when people are in crisis,” Big Plume said.

“So (this is) us being able to speak with the youth, speak even with just the general public within the community, to get their input, kind of off the record; our body-worn cameras aren’t rolling. They don’t feel pressured.

“It’s a time that if they have any sort of question, even silly questions, we’re there to answer it.”

Teenager JJ Onespot said he felt nervous when he first walked into the session, based on past experiences with police.

“When I first walked in, I was nervous because I had bad experiences with cops,” he said.

That feeling eased as the conversation continued, Onespot said, adding the informal setting made officers feel more accessible.

“I feel like they’re more involved in the community, being out at the sportsplex and near the school, having kids go over, and it’s very inclusive,” he said.

Keke Laplante Heavyrunner said seeing officers regularly in the community makes a difference.

“Felt good seeing them around. They’re in their community a lot, making sure we’re all OK, so I like seeing that,” she said.

There are about 35 officers with the Tsuut’ina Nation Police Service serving a population of roughly 2,500 people on the Nation, a size Big Plume says makes relationship-building especially important.

“I’m hoping they take away just being able to see police officers as human beings,” he said.

“We’re parents, we’re mothers, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunties.”

Big Plume said being visible outside enforcement situations helps build familiarity and trust over time.

“You see them all the time. You see them at their check stops. You see them throughout the schools and at all of our community events. They’re always present,” he said.

“So you get to know them by face. You recognize them.

“I think it’s a little bit easier to feel comfortable with a smaller, more community-based service.”

The next Bannock with a Badge event is scheduled for February at the Redwood Meadows Community Centre.