Baseline for Aboriginal Policing Research in Canada

1. Requirement Summary

The Aboriginal Policing Directorate (APD) is responsible for the administration of the First Nations Policing Program. The Program’s inception followed the 1990 Task Force Report, the Indian Policing Policy Review, which found that “Indians do not have access to the same police service models as do non-Indians and that access to Indian police services across bands is inequitable,” other factors that led to the creation of the program include unrest and increased criminal activity in the late 1980s and early 1990s in First Nation communities as well as several key Aboriginal justice inquiries noting difficulties faced by Aboriginal people in the justice system.

The Program provides contribution funding with provinces and territories to support policing services that are professional, dedicated and responsive to the Aboriginal communities they serve. The Program is delivered through tripartite policing agreements that are negotiated among the federal government, provincial or territorial governments, and Aboriginal communities. In addition, the Program provides broad policy advice on Aboriginal policing and justice issues and is the departmental lead on Aboriginal self-government as it pertains to the administration of justice. The Program also conducts relevant research and performance measurement to ensure that credible performance data is being collected to support effective program monitoring and evaluation activities; engages stakeholders in developing policy options for improving public safety in First Nation and Inuit communities, and works collaboratively with other federal partners in addressing diverse challenges in Aboriginal communities.

While some research about Aboriginal policing in Canada may be taking place, there is no overarching understanding among stakeholders of what this research is addressing, who is conducting it, the methods being used, and what are the linkages and coordination between projects. Nor is there a clear picture of what research capacities exist, and how they may be used to address current and emerging issues in Canadian Aboriginal policing.

2. Objective

The purpose of this project is to create a narrative document, with appropriate annexes, that will address the following research questions:

1. What type of research has been done (or is in progress) about Aboriginal policing in Canada, especially regarding police effectiveness and efficiency, over the past 5 years? What key topics or predominant themes are involved?

2. What organizations are doing this research, and how is it being funded, directed or otherwise sponsored?

3. What are the current provisions for disseminating the findings from research on Aboriginal policing?

4. What processes could be put in place to create the necessary capacities to ensure dissemination?

5. What is the infrastructure and capacity for Aboriginal policing research in Canada, e.g. universities, research chairs/centers, specialized institutes/think tanks or non-government organizations? How are these entities funded?

6. What are the current relationships/lines of communication between governments, university scholars, and police services with respect to conducting research on Aboriginal policing?

7. What kinds of infrastructure and capacity for policing research exist in similar countries with significant indigenous population: United States, Australia, and New Zealand? Are there distinct mechanisms for the funding of this infrastructure, coordination of research, setting priorities or specific project funding?

The resulting narrative document is intended to provide a neutral and clear understanding of the current nature and capacity for Aboriginal policing-related research in Canada. Combined with the information about other countries.

3. Period of Work

The period of the Contract is from date of contract award to March 31, 2014.

4. Evaluation Process and Selection Methodology

Basis of selection – Highest combined score of technical points (60%) and financial points (40%). Detailed in the RFP

5. Contracting Authority

Nancy Savaria Contracting and Procurement Section Public Safety Canada Tel: 613-990-2614 contracting@ps-sp.gc.ca