Barriere RCMP’s new detachment head Cpl. Kyle Camalush plans to develop community policing strategies that respond to local needs.
This includes strengthening pre-existing relationships with community members by being visible at events, setting meetings and engaging in community consultation. Camalush, who began his policing career as an officer at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, previously worked as a Barriere constable in 2017 before joining Vernon North Okanagan RCMP’s Indigenous Policing Services.
“I was here for three-and-a-half years and worked closely with the community,” he said in an over-the-phone interview with the Star Journal. “I’m very much looking forward to being back here.”
Roughly one month into the new position with the local RCMP, Camalush has already started looking into several methods of direct consultation with the community, including in-person visits and potentially developing a survey. He’s set meetings with district Mayor Ward Stamer and council, as well as Simpcw First Nation Chief George Lampreau and band council, he said.
Community-oriented safety strategies such as neighbourhood block watches are also on his radar. He hopes his approach to local consultation will establish a positive tone of community policing for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members.
His aim is to provide culturally competent policing services. To promote reconciliation at the local detachment, Camalush will invite Simpcw First Nation leadership and community members to the detachment office. He also hopes to attend Simpcw First Nation community events.
The idea, he said, is to work closely “not only with their chief and council, but their community as a whole. Learning and engaging with Elders and youth are particularly important to build on the positive relationship the RCMP has with their community, instead of only showing up on official business.”
In his free time, Camalush loves experiencing the outdoors and mountains in the area, he added.
Community members who wish to get in contact with the detachment can call the non-emergency line: 250-672-9918.