BLUE LINE CANADA’S LAW ENFORCEMENT MAGAZINE
www.BlueLine.ca
NOVEMBER 2020
COVER STORY
Making better nutritional choices Why police officers need to be aware of cortisol and insulin resistance p.14
OUT OF THE COLD
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Forming the Blue Light taskforce p. 6
Microlearning for ongoing opportunities p. 10
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Contents
November 2020 Volume 32 Number 9
Features COVER STORY
14 Making better nutritional choices
Proper nutrition and sleep are the foundation of health, but we also need to look at chronically high cortisol hormone and insulin resistance as contributing factors in weight gain, and to better understand how they affect police officers. By Derek Thistle
18 Law enforcement gear to keep on your radar COVER PHOTO: VAASEENAA / ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS / GETTY IMAGES
Gear and accessories are almost as important for law enforcement professionals as training. Having the right equipment can make the job easier and safer. Here’s a look at some of the new clothing pieces and duty gear recently tested out by the authors. By Hilary Rodela, with files from Brendan Rodela
8 18 @Blue_LineMag
Columns 4 8 10 11 12 21 26 30
Editor’s commentary Q&A Health & wellness Holding the line Behavioural sciences Technology Case law Back of the book
Departments 5 5 6 7 7 22 27 29 30
By the numbers News Cold Case Dispatches Calendar Off the shelf Product showcase Marketplace Blue Links
21 November 2020 | BLUE LINE
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EDITOR’S COMMENTARY BY RENÉE FRANCOEUR
Let’s make sure we’re not forgetting about the “shadow pandemic”
T
he UN Secretary General’s latest “One of the things I think Canada is a report on COVID-19 contains a little bit behind on is looking at harm,” chilling statement: “gains on Jones said. “We have the Crime Severity gender equality risk being reversed Index... but we don’t necessarily use it as by decades” by the pandemic. The numbers a tool to address our individuals.” paint a stark picture of ... 15 million women He explained how oftentimes a “lowand girls subjected to gender-based violence harm, high-frequency” domestic violence for every three months of lockdown... perpetrator becomes the focus for police, The above is from Angelina Jolie’s Time whereas a high-harm, but not-as-oftenMagazine essay, published just last month. frequency isn’t focussed on as much. She goes on to write, “The prospect of “From a national perspective, I think we ‘decades’ of progress in women’s rights need to make sure we’re focusing on the being undone by the pandemic is intoler- right people and I think we need to do that able and ought to be unthinkable... Even by way of harm indexing,” he noted. “A key before the pandemic, which has led to a nugget when we’re in the middle of isolashocking rise in domestic violence, more tion is to ensure we identify who we need than three women a day on average were to go at and then how... I think that’s murdered by their husbands or boyfriends sometimes the part that gets lost in poliin America...” cing with a focused deterrence: At the time of writing this, Now indeed the how.... we become breachwe’re grappling with high new is the time to and-arrest teams; not actually numbers of COVID cases in On- be looking focussed deterrence teams.” Now indeed is the time to be tario and Quebec. With the at harm looking at harm indexing, fothreat of lockdown looming large indexing, cused deterrence as well as how again, I am thinking about do- focused deterrence technology can be utilized to mestic violence. confront domestic violence. For According to the United Nations as well as example, the government in Entity for Gender Equality and the how France announced judges will Empowerment of Women, vio- technology have the option of requiring lence against women in France can be electronic tracking ankle braceincreased 30 per cent after a March utilized to lets for domestic violence of17 lockdown was initiated; in confront fenders. “The GPS monitor Argentina, by 25 per cent; and in domestic alerts women as well as police if Singapore, 33 per cent. It’s been violence. known abusers get to within a referred to as the “shadow pandemic” or “double pandemic,” and yet I certain distance of their victims,” redon’t feel this issue has been seeing the ported CTV News. Along those lines, also make sure to attention it so desperately needs in the media and beyond. Are we talking about it check out our products section in this enough? Are we in law enforcement being issue for more details on Attenti’s tracking technology. Its Domestic Violence Deterproactive enough? In May, I signed up for a virtual discus- rence System creates virtual security laysion on policing and family harm, hosted by ers around the survivor and “enables both the Australia & New Zealand Society of the victim and the aggressor to remain Evidence Based Policing. Edmonton Police within the community and continue with Insp. Dan Jones, a member of the Research their daily routines.” There are some truly exciting ideas and Advisory Committee of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, was one of the proven methods out there to tackle the presenters, and I encourage everyone to shadow pandemic — it’s up to us to look into them. check it out at youtu.be/s2z55UJgBs8.
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NEWS community and business partners, and allow for meaningful intercommunity collaboration and problem solving. EPS recently kicked off the first of its community engagement sessions, and the response from participants was both powerful and promising – not only in helping to build understanding and trust, but in providing new opportunities to discuss concerns and ways to work together. Visit www.blueline.ca/eps-commits-to-actionfor-citys-racialized-and-underserved-communities/ for more photos.
Edmonton Police Chief Dale McFee, with Enyinnah Okere, the executive director of the EPS Value and Impact Division looking on in the background, announces a commitment to action through community engagement. PHOTO: EPS EDMONTON
EPS commits to action for city’s racialized and underserved communities Edmonton Police Chief Dale McFee has announced a commitment to action by the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) to engage with the city’s Black, Indigenous, racialized, and underserved communities in improving policing, and in reimagining community safety and well-being. The new strategy acknowledges current community concerns and calls for change, addresses racial injustice, and advocates for the need to work collectively to build, strengthen and repair police-community relationships. “The murder of George Floyd launched a movement and a demand for action that required every police service in every city to look inward and ask themselves what path they wanted to take,” McFee says. “I am honoured to say that Edmontonians have chosen a path of equity and progress, and have called on EPS to help them build a better, safer community and a better world. Not every city can say they have done that,
and not every city can say they collectively chose a better path forward.” Edmonton City Council held public hearings in June 2020 to better understand how Edmontonians viewed police. The comments at the hearings highlighted the tenuous nature of police relationships with marginalized communities in Edmonton, and that a segment of the population has historically not felt seen, heard or protected by police. Overall, the need for an equitable, restorative and ongoing approach came to the forefront. In response, EPS is now moving forward with a commitment to action through community engagement, where safe spaces will be created for extensive conversations with communities, then EPS will work with these communities to implement the required changes as soon as possible. As part of the ongoing engagement, EPS will also be introducing a new community advisory council, which will work directly with various areas of EPS on changes to policy, procedure and operations. The new Chief’s Community Council will be guided by people who experience marginalization, racism and discrimination, as well as
ONTARIO
Devon Clunis appointed as first Inspector General of Policing
The Ontario government has appointed Devon Clunis as the province’s first Inspector General of Policing. Clunis, a former chief of the Winnipeg Police Service, will provide oversight of policing in Ontario. He will also be responsible for setting up an Inspectorate of Policing, which will work with the government and its partners to develop regulations under the Community Safety and Policing Act (CSPA), 2019. Clunis joined the Winnipeg Police Service in 1987 and served in all areas of the service over the course of his career before being named to the role of chief in 2012, making him the first Black Canadian to become a chief of police. As chief of police, Clunis led a “transformational and cultural shift within the service that successfully modernized its model of policing from reactive and crime focused to a proactive community health and well-being model.” After his retirement in 2016, Clunis continued to work in the field of policing as a consultant. In 2016, he was awarded the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for the Advancement of Interreligious Understanding.
BY THE NUMBERS While DNA made its first appearance in Canadian courtrooms in the late 1980s, it was not until 2000 that legislation led to the creation of the National DNA Data Bank (NDDB). On June 30, 2020, the NDDB, operated by the RCMP, celebrated its 20th anniversary. For more information about the National DNA Data Bank visit: www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/nddb-bndg/index-accueil-eng.htm.
175,596 402,960 70,203 total number of DNA profiles in the Crime Scene Index
@Blue_LineMag
total number of DNA profiles in the Convicted Offender Index
total number of hits reported
31
offender hits and forensic hits each day averaged by NDDB
November 2020 | BLUE LINE
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NEWS accelerate organizational and cultural change, including the implementation of recommendations arising from the Sexual Violence and Harassment Project.
OTTAWA
Expert enlisted to address workplace sexual violence and harassment
The Ottawa Police Services Board (OPSB) and Ottawa Police Service (OPS) said they are taking further action to stop workplace sexual violence and harassment in the OPS. OPSB Chair Diane Deans and OPS Chief Peter Sloly announced Janice Rubin and Rubin Thomlinson LLP will serve as an independent third-party advisor to enhance and support the ongoing work and significant progress being made by the Workplace Sexual Violence and Harassment Project. “There is absolutely zero tolerance for any workplace sexual violence and harassment at the OPS,” Chief Sloly said. “We are doing everything we can to prevent these incidents from occurring while working to increase member confidence in reporting incidents and providing support to victims. Today, we are taking important steps to support these efforts and the work being done by the Sexual Violence and Harassment Project led by Acting Deputy Chief Joan McKenna.”
ORANGEVILLE
Small, 156-year old police service hands policing duties off to OPP
Rubin Thomlinson will serve as the independent third party for intake, investigations and resolutions for all forms of harassment. Janice Rubin and her colleagues led the probe into inappropriate behaviour at Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and have conducted other institutional investigations. She will assist the OPS in establishing an independent and objective complaints intake process as well as new investigation and resolution mechanisms. She will conduct a thorough third-party review of workplace culture within the OPS and provide recommendations to help
Ontario Provincial Police have now taken over policing duties in Orangeville, Ont. The transition from the Orangeville Police Service to the OPP officially occurred at noon on Sept. 30. In May, the Ontario Civilian Police Commission approved the disbanding of the Orangeville Police Service, paving the way for the town to transfer to OPP services. The town said there will be a four-week transition period as the OPP’s Dufferin detachment will provide coverage of calls for service under the interim detachment commander, Acting Insp. Nicol Randall. The offices at 390 C Line will re-open when renovations are complete, according to an online news release. The Orangeville Police Service was established in 1864.
COLD CASE Blue Line’s Cold Case Series:
OUT OF THE COLD File # 4: YRP and Peel Regional Police pair up for Blue Light taskforce BY STEPHEN METELSKY
We are proactively profiling a cold case in every other issue for our readers to share in order to spark renewed interest and hopefully generate tips and information. It was midnight on Sept. 27, 2013, when a young female exited a transit bus on the South Service road in Mississauga, Ont., near the Port Credit OPP (Ontario Provincial Police) detachment. This did not deter the unknown perpetrator who was lurking nearby, armed with a weapon. The female victim was dragged into a nearby wooded area and violently attacked. On Nov. 13, 2014, a young girl exited a bus at 12:30 a.m. at Yonge Street and Canyon Hill Drive in Richmond Hill, Ont. She is approached by a masked, armed suspect and then dragged into a wooded area where she is violently assaulted. “It is a violent sexual assault over a significant 6
BLUE LINE | November 2020
period of time,” confirmed Det.-Sgt. Simon James, the unit commander of the York Regional Police (YRP) Special Victims Unit. The modus operandi and suspect description for both assaults are identical. He is described as 5’10, of medium build and physically fit. The suspect wore a mask during both attacks – concealing his identity. When DNA linked the unknown suspect to both assaults, a multijurisdictional joint task force was formed between police services in York and Peel regions – dubbed “the Blue Light taskforce.” York Regional Police are one of the few agencies in Canada with an active Special Victims Unit - Sexual Assault Cold Case section. They have the largest taskforce in Canada dedicated to working unsolved sexual assaults. York’s Special Victims Unit achieved recent success solving a cold case sexual assault from Canada’s Wonderland in 2000. Two young boys were abducted and assaulted in a washroom at the theme park. The case went unsolved for decades until new forensic technology and investigative techniques cracked the case, resulting in the arrest of the offender, who was identified through DNA. James confirmed the two unsolved sexual assaults in Peel and York remain the top
priority of the joint taskforce. “There is a good chance there are additional victims out there who have been attacked in the past who are afraid to come forward,” he added, noting there are other attacks similar in nature, but nothing can be linked through DNA. “This case is constantly being investigated. We are trying to leverage new forensic technologies and advancements to help further the investigation along and advance the case.” The Blue Light taskforce is currently working with multiple agencies across North America — including the FBI and the OPP — to identify the unknown offender, who is also believed to be of east Asian descent based on the DNA profile. Investigators are seeking additional information from agencies involving cases with similar methods of operation and that match the two cold case assaults in Peel and York regions. Police are asking anyone with information to contact the YRPS Special Victim’s Unit at 1-866-8-POLICE x 7071 or anonymously at Crime Stoppers – 1-800-222-TIPS. Stephen Metelsky, M.A., is a writer, (ret.) police sergeant and professor at Mohawk College. Find him on LinkedIn, follow him @StephenMetelsky or email Stephen.Metelsky@mohawkcollege.ca.
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NEWS DISPATCHES Chief John Leontowicz will retire with 45 years of policing experience. He has headed the LaSalle Police Service for more than 21 years and is presently one of the longest serving police chiefs in Canada. He is set to retire in January 2021. He has been the recipient of the Order of Merit, Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal, RCMP Exemplary Medal, Ontario Police Exemplary Service Medal, FBI Trilogy Award, Canada 150 Service Medal and Certified Municipal Manager Designation. The Tsuut’ina Nation Police Service is mourning the passing of one of its family members. Const. Christopher Kelly bravely fought a serious illness the last number of months and his battle came to an end in June. Kelly is a proud member of the Fort Mckay First Nation and was honoured to serve alongside the men and women of Tosguna for the last five years. In February 2004, Kelly embarked on his career in policing with the RCMP, dedicating 12 years to the safety of community members in Siksika, Gleichen and Strathmore. Rest in peace. Jennifer Hunt-Poitras, a former CBC North reporter, took over as manager of Yellowknife’s Municipal Enforcement Division in May 2020. According to a recent news article, she said her vision for the department includes collaborating more with the RCMP and social agencies. Det. Kal Dosanjh is a 2020 recipient of the B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Awards in the Breaking Barriers category. He is the founder of KidsPlay, a non-profit organization working towards keeping kids away from the lifestyle of drugs, gangs, and violence. Members of the Regina Police Service are mourning the loss of Sgt. Ryan Ellingson, who passed away at his home due to health-related issues. He was a member of the police service for 15 years, serving in the Community Services Division on patrol. In a Twitter post, RPS said Ellingson was described by his colleagues as a big influence, a true leader, a teacher and mentor, irreplaceable, humble, positive, dependable and approachable. @Blue_LineMag
CALENDAR Peel Regional Police has three new deputy chiefs of police: Staff Supt. Randall Patrick, Supt. Anthony Odoardi and Supt. Nick Milinovich. Peel Regional Police also announced the selection of seven new superintendents to the leadership team to support Chief Nishan Duraiappah’s strategic objectives and to be better reflective of the community it serves. Peel Police will be promoting 10 members to the rank of inspector as well. This follows approximately 30 additional frontline supervisors and managers already promoted this year. Robin Marcotte has been promoted to staff sergeant at Greater Sudbury Police Service.
Guelph Police Service Deputy Chief Paul Martin has retired after 36 years of service in September 2020. His leadership roles within the Guelph Police Service include 20 years on the executive of the Guelph Police Association, including six years as president. In 2002, Martin received the Police Association of Ontario John Walker award for Police Association Leadership. He has received the Governor General Police Exemplary Service Medal as well as the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee medal. Dave Zackrias has been promoted as the new inspector for the Ottawa Police Service Outreach Recruiting Team. He previously managed Community and Police Action Committee, or COMPAC, and led the Ottawa police diversity and race relations unit. Peel Regional Police Supt. Manuel Rodrigues is retiring. Throughout his career, he has been posted to Mobile Support (Surveillance), Morality, Criminal Investigation and Frauds, where he served as the detective staff sergeant in charge of the bureau.
NOTE TO READERS: check with all organizers as COVID-19 continues to affect events.
Laurier Online’s Public Safety Degree Programs: What to expect • Webinar Nov. 17, 2020 Online online.wlu.ca/webinars/weeklywebinar-series Virtual Annual Meeting of the Criminology Consortium: CrimCon Nov. 18-20, 2020 Online crimcon.org National Symposium on Sexual Assault Cases in the Criminal Court Feb. 27, 2021 Toronto, Ont. www.osgoodepd.ca TACCOM 2021 Show Apr. 23-25, 2021 Mississauga, Ont. www.osgoodepd.ca Fourth International VPD Police Judo Clinic Apr. 27-30, 2021 Vancouver, B.C. policejudo.ca HK Memorial Hockey Tournament 2021 Apr. 29-30, 2021 Brampton, Ont. hkmemorial.com FutureCon: Toronto CyberSecurity Conference May 12, 2021 Toronto, Ont. futureconevents.com/events/torontoon-2020/?ref=infosec-conferences.com CANSEC 2021 June 2-3, 2021 Ottawa, Ont. www.defenceandsecurity.ca Canada’s 911 Ride – Atlantic 2021 June 12-13, 2021 Truro, N.S. www.canadas911ride.com Find more calendar events online at blueline.ca/events.
November 2020 | BLUE LINE
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Q&A
Q: Congratulations on the promotion and book publication! What has it been like leading the RVI Directorate so far?
I’m excited about it because I’ve done a lot of this work in the work I’ve already done locally and internationally. RVI is an umbrella term for our equity, diversity and inclusion strategy as well as for respect, ethics and values, which is part of the behaviour of police officers within the organization. I’ve worked on initiatives before where gender is the standalone issue or diversity is. These both stand alone as pillars within RVI; they’re not predatory to each other. This way, we reduce the risk of things falling through the cracks... If our values are internally intact, and if we have a shared value or a shared purpose, then the service we provide in the community will be more value-based. I honestly believe that what happens out there clearly links to what’s happening internally. So, we have to make sure that our house is sound.
Q: Your career trajectory is full of accolades and you certainly persevered through some challenges to get to where you are today. Tell us why you wanted to begin a career in law enforcement — which you did in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) at the age of 19, as the first Black female officer hired by the British South Africa Police.
I think the seed was planted when I was about seven or eight years-old. 8
BLUE LINE | November 2020
I remember a white police officer came to our door, looking for directions. He was so flippant with me and so dismissive, and even the way he spoke with my mother — it didn’t feel good. I remember thinking, I’m going to be a police officer one day, and I’m going to treat people better. Then, just before my 20th birthday, I saw an ad in the newspaper, saying “if you want a career to make a difference, join the South Africa police.” I knew at that time, as a Black person, you could join as a constable and your highest rank would be limited. As a white person, you join as a patrol officer and then you could go up to commissioner of
Snapshot of Supt. Isobel Granger’s early career
1987
became first Black female officer in Rhodesia and later the first Black Elite Patrol Unit member
1994
became part of the first cohort of five female Black recruits hired by Ottawa Police Service
police. A Black police officer with even 25 years’ of experience would report to a white patrol officer of one day’s experience. So, there were two ranks; the white rank structure at the top and the Black rank structure at the bottom. People who were mixed race were not allowed to apply. I applied regardless, knowing that when they received my application, they would just assume I was white because my father’s last name is white sounding. I think they did because when I went for my first interview, they just got a shock. And that’s a long, funny story. They asked why I would apply when I knew they didn’t hire people like me and I took it as an invitation for a discussion. I actually had a very healthy debate with the interviewer. When I left, I didn’t think I’d ever get called back but I had said what I needed to say. When they began to call me back for interviews, testing and more of that process, I just thought they were drawing a line in the sand, but I don’t self-eliminate. My life has been about that — I do not look at a closed door as a total rejection. Sometimes the closed door appears to be shut but if you turn the handle, it is open. A friend actually just came by and she said, “I’m really impressed with what you have achieved.” And I don’t look at it that way because I just look at it as I’ve been really fortunate — I’ve been able to work on different initiatives in different countries, but it is because of my early conditioning to not self-eliminate. www.BlueLine.ca
PHOTO: ISOBEL GRANGER
The year 2020 is one to remember for Ottawa Police Supt. Isobel Granger, who is now leading the service’s newly launched Respect, Values and Inclusion (RVI) Directorate. She not only became Ottawa’s first Black superintendent but she also published her first book, Smashing the Glass Ceiling. She joined Blue Line in June for a podcast episode to share her thoughts on the opportunity for change with RVI, building ladders and much more.
Q: What is your most memorable moment in policing so far?
I’ve had several of them and I don’t like to say one is more memorable than the other. But when I began to lobby to get a law passed to support first responders*... I still remember standing in the observation gallery in the House of Commons... and watching the member, Chuck Strahl, who I partnered with in lobbying for this law. The House of Commons unanimously voted to bypass the process and send it directly to the justice committee for debate because they deemed it a valuable and worthwhile issue. This was across all parties. There was wild applause and an associate of Strahl’s was looking up at me, tears streaming down his face. He motioned me to come downstairs and I was telling him, “No, I can come down there; we’re not allowed.” So, Strahl came up and he hugged me and he said, “Isobel, I learned an important lesson with this lobby: that when you say human issues, you have to include the human element.” This was because my personal story had
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informed the entire debate in the House of Commons. I stood there and I realized that I’ve always known that this has never been about me. It’s always been about the greater purpose. I really subscribe to that notion Nelson Mandela talks about in my other language; we call it Ubuntu, which means the humanness of us, or “I am because we are.”
Q: What is your advice for others looking to climb the ladder and take out ceilings in law enforcement?
Whatever you do, do not give away pieces of yourself. Once you give away the first piece, it becomes easier to give more and more away, and soon you become a distortion of who you are and who you’re supposed to be. Then, when you get to a place where you’re wondering why things are not working out, and you’re trying to find out who you are, it’s really difficult to make your way back. Another tip I always use is: if you’re going up the ladder, don’t pull it up behind you. Leave it in place for others to climb.
As my friend (Ottawa Police Inspector) Debbie Miller says, build other ladders, too, so there are even more to climb up. For women who have made it to that place, remember just because you fought hard to get there doesn’t mean you’ve earned the right to be exclusive. Sometimes they’ll say, “Well, I had to fight to get here. So, you fight, too.” For me, having achieved the rank of superintendent, it is a privilege to be able to look across my organization now and see further — to see where the gaps are, and then to be the enabler and help create spaces and opportunities. It’s not about me. When I walk out the door for the last time, I want to say to myself, “I didn’t achieve everything I could have, but I gave it my best shot and I’ve helped people along the way.” *Editor’s note: Granger’s efforts led to the introduction of a private Member’s Bill, C-217, which called for the extraction of blood samples for the benefit of persons administering and enforcing the law. Granger herself had been pierced by a hypodermic needle while patting down a suspect. The suspect refused to take an HIV test and could not be compelled by law to give a blood sample.
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2020-07-13 1:20 PM
HEALTH & WELLNESS BY ISABELLE SAUVÉ
Microlearning in law enforcement— one snippet at a time
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BLUE LINE | November 2020
cers face competing deadlines, tasks and priorities. Work related pressures are significant and members often have little time for lengthy or highly demanding professional development training or courses. Tiny windows of opportunity may be the key to providing ongoing learning opportunities in a law enforcement setting. Each of the topics can also be quickly accessible to officers when in need of guidance such as while out on the road and at calls. By nature of the job and virtue of the amount of information law enforcement officers must know and retain, short and easily accessible snippets of information can very practical and serve as refreshers on various topics for frontline employees and specialty units. Traditionally, education has been provided in a classroom setting, relying mostly on the teacher’s single knowledge indoctrination. In contrast, with microlearning, individuals guide and control their own learning journey and progress. With the internet, learning videos and tools can be downloaded and subsequently re-played at will without limitations such as time or location. A well-designed, properly tailored and responsive digital resource can provide on-demand, practical performance support on a 24/7 basis. Microlearning can also be interactive and support enhanced member engagement. For example, personnel from a common project or
A welldesigned, properly tailored and responsive digital resource can provide on-demand, practical performance support on a 24/7 basis.
specialty unit can share information and tips on related topics and issues. Members who are geographically distanced can also feel more connected and share equal access to resources and information. It also allows for learning to take place as part of one’s role rather than as a separate entity. Microlearning can offer true onthe-job reference support in addition to just-in-case learning. Through various microlearning platforms, members can connect subject matter with their everyday lives as well as the world around them. This improves knowledge retention and continuous learning — a practice that should be an upmost priority for all law enforcement agencies. When examining how humans learn and retain information, it is vital to consider cognitive load, which is in essence knowledge flowing into the working memory. According to the cognitive load theory, one’s working memory can experience an overload of information. A bi-product of this phenomena causes a halt in the process of information transferal into longterm memory. By cutting up material into small fragments and providing frequent microlearning opportunities, cognitive overload can be decreased and the flow of information into long-term memory can be improved. Due to its very contextual nature (on time), microlearning is an approach to pedagogics with the potential to be highly effective in a law enforcement setting. Isabelle Sauvé is a 14-year veteran with the OPP, and currently the new Psychological Services Advisor in the OPP’s Healthy Workplace Bureau. She has a MA in psychology and is a PhD candidate. She is also an ultramarathon/ endurance athlete and the Racing the Planet/4 Deserts 2018 Series winner as well as a Guinness World record holder. She can be contacted at: isabelle.sauve@hotmail.com.
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PHOTO: ©NICOELNINO / ADOBE STOCK
T
he COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed how we work and learn. Under the influence of social media and extensive integration of smartphone technology, many have become accustomed to consuming information in short bursts. The same holds for education, with efforts to develop virtual learning content being at its highest. Modern professionals want the option to access courses and information on mobile devices, outside of the office, on the move, or when they find themselves with a few spare minutes. The pedagogy that encourages learning in short segments is commonly called microlearning and can be supported through various platforms. Social media platforms are frequently utilized for their ability to promote connected learning and peer interaction. Microlearning is about providing focused chunks of content to an audience where and when they need it. Its effectiveness has been widely debated within the learning and development industry, however, in the right context it is highly effective. Consequently, digital learning content is gaining popularity worldwide. Furthermore, research indicates microlearning opportunities offered in short segments can increase focus and engagement with the microlearning objective or activity at hand. Effective microlearning offers bite sized topics in a clear and distinct matter. Each two- to threeminute segment focuses on achieving a specific design outcome. Every topic is divided into a few seconds of theory, three to four demos and some tips from the experts. This cookie cutter format is typically reflected in each of the separate topics. With a fast paced, multi-faceted and demanding environment, law enforcement officers could grandly benefit from such approach. Offi-
HOLDING THE LINE BY MICHELLE VINCENT
The power in partnership
A
s we continue to work on implementing The Haven, a mental health treatment centre for our first responders and uniform personnel, I am reminded of the power we have in partnership. Partnership means we are never alone, always working towards filling gaps that pop up. Ongoing communication with our partners fosters discussion that brings to light overlap and areas where resources are needed. Partnerships are based on commonality and as a result are most often — if not always — solution-focused. They promote this focus on solutions as research and experience is shared. Partnerships also foster rich communication and sharing. However, past relations between the academic and the policing community have often been strewn with mistrust, suspicion as each work from radically different conceptions.1 Policing, being a hands-on profession that relies often on intuition and past experience, differs greatly from the academic world, which is more scientific and evidence-based in their approach of understanding.2 Today, these partnerships are key to the successful operation of specialty units in policing and the indepth training they require. Many
executive command members have a master’s degree in leadership, criminology and even psychology. It is often expected those leading at a higher level will have furthered their education. Partnerships tend to be inspiring. When groups of two of more people focus on what they are most passionate about and the commonalities within that focus, momentum is created. This allows those involved to “see” doors/solutions that are often outside of the mainstream thinking box. Brilliant creators are always involved in multiple partnerships as they create. These partnerships can be unspoken, like the artistry we see unfold organically in nature. Open creation is a key aspect in leadership in the world of policing as we bring in leading-edge ways of both working in our field and serving our communities. One police organization has created an overall plan to shift the existing culture — that has been experienced by some as toxic and solitary — to positive, team-oriented, healthy and solution-focused. They hired a third-party organization, Being First, that is skilled in creating massive positive change within challenging organizational climates to come in and train their more senior members,
(organizational buy-in that comes from the top is most effective). Project Breakthrough — an indepth project initiated by this particular police service to change the culture within — is creating various committees within its service, meshing understanding and proOne police gression from HR (human resourservice hired ces) to frontline policing of these a third-party cultural aspects. organization This is a partnership. The senior that is skilled staff created self-sustaining comin creating mittees that work in partnership on massive an ongoing basis to provide a statepositive of-the-art policing organization. change Of course, as in every partnership, within chal- the task is ongoing. In fact, the task’s lenging timeline is infinite, as we continuorganization- ously discover one another’s al climates to strengths and weaknesses, drawing come in and from and supporting each other. train their As we serve our communities as more senior police officers, let’s explore more members... partnership opportunities. Some will be of the old and true kind, like the traditional partnerships we experience in good, old-fashioned community policing. These say, “Come in and visit my environment and let’s learn together how to create the safest, most peaceful and productive organization/location. I/ we as police support your intentions and you as representative of our community support ours.” All partnerships provide an opportunity for appreciating commonality, inspiration, friendship and overall success. How as a leader will you promote partnership in your area of service?
Footnotes
PHOTO: KALI9/E+/GETTY IMAGES
1. Crawford, A. (2019) “Effecting change in policing through police/academic partnerships.” Chapter 9. Critical Reflections on Evidence-Based Policing. London: Routledge, https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429488153 2. ibid. Michelle Vincent is a retired York Regional Police officer and the founder of The Haven, Ontario’s first non-profit, inpatient treatment centre exclusive to first responders and uniform personnel. Contact her at michelle.vincent@thehaven.cloud.
@Blue_LineMag
November 2020 | BLUE LINE
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BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCES
BY PETER COLLINS AND AARON DALE
The Police-Military Veterans Wellness Program: leaving the streets behind
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his month’s column is a departure from what I usually write about. I am pleased to have Const. Aaron Dale of the Toronto Police Service (TPS) as my co-author. Aaron and I are proud veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces. Remembrance Day is fast approaching. During Veterans’ Week (Nov. 5-11) we honour those who lost their lives during past conflicts and peacekeeping missions, as well of those who served their country and continue to do so. At the beginning of November, TPS and the Ontario Provincial Police will announce the Police-Military Veterans Wellness Outreach Program. This program was spearheaded by Const. Dale as well as Const. Jeremy Burns, also a military veteran now serving with TPS, in addition to Insp. Tim Crone (TPS) and Sgt. Tammy Masse from Community Safety Services with the OPP. There are 649,300 military veterans in Canada and some of them have had difficulty readjusting to civilian life after leaving the Forces. The transition to civilian life can be difficult but most will readjust without requiring assistance. Some, however, will face difficulties because they miss the excitement associated with a mission, feel a loss of the order and structure the military provided them, feel a loss of identity and miss the camaraderie. Their sense of purpose is gone and their military experience may not translate into marketable skills in the workplace. More than 111,000 of these men and women have some form of disability — physical and/or emotional. Of those who served in Afghanistan, 15 per cent are receiving pensions for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from Veterans Affairs Canada, and those are only the ones who manage to navigate the system to receive a pension. More commonly, veterans are suffering from major depressive disorders, anxiety disorders and substance use disorders. In addition, some have traumatic brain injuries, which, given the nature of combat in Afghanistan, has become the “signature injury” of modern warfare compared to past conflicts. Although accurate numbers are difficult to discern, the suicide rate among veterans appears to be higher than the rest of the 12
BLUE LINE | November 2020
population. It is estimated in the United States, for example, that approximately 22 veterans take their own life on a daily basis. There are some anecdotal reports, also from the States, that indicate a further increase of 20 per cent more deaths from suicide within the veteran population since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020.
Why do police require information about outreach to veterans?
Police are in a unique situation, as first responders, to serve as advocates and referral sources for our veterans who require assistance. Many veterans who need help may not know where to go for that help. Case Study A military veteran, Mark, was living out of his car in Toronto. Increasingly despondent, he became suicidal. He was apprehended under the Mental Health Act by TPS Primary Response Unit officers. Officers had to place Mark’s support dog in a shelter so they could transport him to the hospital to be assessed by a doctor. He was committed under the Mental Health Act as a risk to himself. Although the frontline officers were able to diffuse the situation, they knew of a TPS member who was a veteran and could possibly assist Mark further. The TPS member visited Mark in the hospital and within the hour was able to link him to different veterans’ resources. His service was quickly verified and Mark was provided with emergency housing, food cards and re-united with his dog later that evening. The following day Mark received emergency funds he was entitled to and began receiving proper medications and regular mental health counselling. Mark was provided a Veterans Affairs case worker who had him back to his previous employment, a permanent place to live and appropriate medical care within weeks. Officers obviously don’t have to have served in the military to assist veterans in need. A new training package and internal resources have been developed to aid officers in the understanding of veteran issues and the services available to them. TPS Mobile Crisis Intervention (MCIT) members and negotiators with the TPS Emer-
gency Task Force will also receive extra training to better deal with situations when a veteran is in crisis. The Royal Canadian Legion, Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) and the Operational Stress Injury and Social Support program will be partners within the Police-Military Veterans Wellness Program. The Legion has the capability of providing veterans in need with first and last month’s rent (up to $3,000), food cards, an apartment start-up kit ($450), furniture/appliances, dental care referrals and follow-ups. VAC can provide emergency funds and funding through the income replacement program; mental health support; physical health support; disability pension; education and much more. VAC case managers can assist the veteran who often experiences “administrative fatigue” in dealing with agencies. Lastly, the Operational Stress Injury and Social Support program has the capability to connect a veteran to peer support anywhere in Canada. Ideally, police officers who have served in the military can act as resources for their frontline colleagues and the hope is to identify military veterans throughout the TPS divisions and OPP detachments who can leverage their experiences and help struggling veterans. There are thousands of veterans in Ontario who are not doing well physically and/or emotionally. Eventually we hope to have the program adopted by law enforcement nationwide. We thank command staff of both the OPP and TPS for supporting this initiative. They realize how important it is to provide all the necessary support to veterans — who have done so much for the betterment of Canadian society. Nobody fights alone. Dr. Peter Collins is the operational forensic psychiatrist with the Ontario Provincial Police’s Criminal Behaviour Analysis Section. He is also a member of the crisis/ hostage negotiation team of the Toronto Police Service Emergency Task Force. Dr. Collins’ opinions are his own. Contact him at peter.collins@utoronto.ca. Const. Aaron Dale joined the Toronto Police Service in 2018. Prior to that, he served in the Canadian Forces since 2002 and was a member of Canadian Special Operations Regiment as a Special Forces Operator from 2013-2018. Contact him at aaron. dale@hotmail.com.
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COVER STORY
Making better nutritional choices Why police officers need to be aware of cortisol and insulin resistance By Derek Thistle
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BLUE LINE | November 2020
If we look back to our ancestors, this fight or flight response was crucial for survival, whether it was hunting a tiger, fighting a tiger or running away from one! You can appreciate how important cortisol is. The issue though, was our ancestors did not have the constant stressors we have today. I am fairly confident early humans in the Paleolithic Era didn’t have shiftwork, job stress, relationship stress, financial stress, investigative call load, public complaints, testifying in court, a grumpy partner, childcare issues, etc. And here’s the kicker: our bodies cannot differentiate between a tiger and these everyday stressors. This results in chronically high levels of cortisol which consistently taps into protein stores via gluconeogenesis in the liver, producing blood glucose (sugar). Naturally, our cortisol levels are higher in the morning and lower at night. Therefore, we must consider shiftwork and our nutritional choices at night. We have all been there; a busy night shift going call to call (one stressful situation to the next). Our cortisol levels are likely elevated, meaning our blood sugar is as well. We hit a drive-thru, fill up on coffee/energy drinks and eat high glycemic pastries, spiking our blood sugar through the roof. We likely “crash” a little later, feeling tired, irritable, craving sugar and feeling just plain gross.
Eat food Feel tired & hungry
INSULIN RESISTANCE
Sugar stores as fat
Make insulin
Cells resist insulin
“A single night of sleep deprivation can increase insulin resistance up to 33 per cent.” - Christiane Northrup, M.D. www.BlueLine.ca
PHOTO: SVETLANA MONYAKOVA/ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS/GETTY IMAGES
H
ow many of us have put on extra pounds since recruit classes? I sure did. I exercised and made “healthy” food choices, yet I often felt tired, irritable, always craved sugar, and put 50 pounds on by year seven. Of course, proper nutrition and sleep are the foundation of health, but if this resonates with you, we also need to look at chronically high cortisol hormone and insulin resistance as contributing factors and better understand how they affect police officers; especially when these issues can lead to obesity, heart disease, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and type 2 diabetes, just to name a few. Cortisol is the body’s main stress hormone. It’s a “Goldilocks” hormone; we don’t want it too low or too high – we want it just right. It plays a key role in the body’s “fight or flight” response. When we encounter a perceived threat, a highrisk situation or even something like a large barking dog, our adrenal glands release adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones prime our bodies for peak performance, shutting down nonessential body functions, making sugar more readily available for energy. Once the situation is resolved, our cortisol returns to a normal range.
SYMPTOMS OF HIGH CORTISOL LEVELS
Weight gain (especially around the abdomen/stomach)
A puffy, flushed face
Mood swings
and wellness,” stated: “a single night of sleep deprivation can increase insulin resistance up to 33 per cent.” So, where does all the excess blood glucose go? Your kidneys try and help with frequent urinating, but unfortunately, unless we utilize the blood sugar through energy expenditure, it will get stored as fat. To make it worse, the cells have four times more receptors in the abdominal area, explaining loosening our duty belts and drawing bigger uniform pants every year from the Quartermaster! The good news is we can keep cortisol levels in check and reverse/ prevent insulin resistance. Here are some strategies using nutrition, exercise and supplementation.
Nutrition Increased anxiety
Fatigue/poor sleep (including feeling “tired but wired”)
Increased urination
In response to the increased blood sugar, our pancreas secrets the insulin hormone to bring the blood sugar down to normal levels. Insulin is a storage hormone; its job is to open the doorway to the cell, allowing energy (blood sugar) in to be stored. High cortisol means high insulin, and overtime, insulin stops being as effective, and more and more must be released to deal with the excess blood sugar. Eventually, the cells simply stop allowing insulin to store all the extra blood sugar. This is called insulin resistance. This condition may be one of the key drivers of many — if not most — of today’s chronic diseases, including prediabetes. This issue is compounded at night. I think most would agree, a big part of police work is the paperwork and patrolling in our vehicles; meaning we are often sedentary. We are likely not using up all that extra blood sugar (for energy needs). To drive this point home for police officers, Dr. Christiane Northrup, M.D., “a leading authority in the field of women’s health @Blue_LineMag
Irregular periods & fertility problems
Higher susceptibility to infections
High blood pressure
Acne or other changes in the skin
The “mission” is to normalize blood sugar levels. • Eat small meals throughout the day (approximately every three to four hours). • Meals should consist of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, fibrous carbohydrates (veggies) and essential fats. • Do not snack in between meals (to allow blood sugar levels to return to normal after eating). • Consider a diet with moderate complex carbohydrate intake (rice, sweet potatoes, quinoa, whole wheat bread, etc.). • “Carbohydrate tapering” (consider removing complex carbs late at night – One reason why carb tapering is a good idea is that insulin sensitivity (opposite of insulin resistance) decreases as the day goes on. This means your pancreas must pump out more insulin for the same carbohydrate meal. Higher insulin levels contribute to fat storage). • Limit stimulants late at night (coffee/energy drinks). • Ditch the sugar-filled pastries, especially at night.
Exercise Muscle aches and pains
Changes in libido
• Experts say exercise adds seven years to your life; it doesn’t have to be fancy – consider a resistance program with cardiovascular work. • Exercise helps the body improve insulin sensitivity.
• Do not “over train,” which leads to elevated cortisol levels. • If you’re stuck behind a desk, or in your patrol car for extended periods of time, get creative — move your body. • Find ways to de-stress.
Supplementation
• Magnesium, which as my colleague Scott Woodhall stated, “is the most underrated and effective supplement available. It can help the body in various ways including reducing stress and acting as a sleep aid. Avoid the “oxide” variety and use either “citrate or glycinate.” Woodhall recommends approximately 250 mg before bed and pointed out it is not toxic. • Ashwagandha is an “adaptogen,” which is best known for its stresslowering effects. The medicinal herb appears to help lower levels of cortisol. More specifically, daily doses of 125 mg to five grams for one to three months have shown to lower cortisol levels by 11 to 32 per cent. • L-theanine is thought to work by decreasing “excitatory” brain chemicals that contribute to stress and anxiety while increasing brain chemicals that encourage a sense of calm. Also, non-toxic, it’s even been known to lower stress-related blood pressure and heart rate. Consider dosing 200-400 mg. The bottom line here is controlling cortisol and preventing insulin resistance is crucial for police officers to maintain healthy lives, both mentally and physiologically. Making better nutritional choices, maintaining a regular exercise regime and considering supplementation can be extremely effective in preventing chronic disease and staying leaner. Looking to 2021, let’s support each other during these difficult times and make our health a priority — let’s be fit for duty. Derek Thistle is a 14-year member with the Calgary Police Service. He’s a patrol sergeant and certified nutrition coach. For more information, visit www. tacticalnutritioncoach.com.
November 2020 | BLUE LINE
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CLOTHING & DUTY GEAR
2020 law enforcement gear to keep on your radar
A review of pants, boots and one new weapons light By Hilary Rodela, with files from Brendan Rodela
Gear and accessories are almost as important for law enforcement professionals as training. Having the right equipment can make the job easier and safer. This article will cover some of the latest tactical clothing and accessories made with law enforcement in mind.
A
s a police officer and private investigator, we both always have our eyes peeled for new products on the market that can improve our everyday work tasks and movements in law enforcement. Here’s some of the new clothing pieces and duty gear we have recently tested out.
Whether you’re at the office as a dispatcher, patrolling or hiking outside for hours, or even in training, the Icon Pant is snug and satisfying.
Streamlight’s TLR-8A
When you’re already wearing more than 13 kilograms (approximately 30 pounds) of equipment, anything extra needs to be compact; we in law enforcement don’t have the capacity for anything that is more cumbersome. The TLR-8A is 6.5 centimetres (2.58 inches) long and weighs in at 2.64 ounces, making it one of Streamlight’s smallest and lightest offerings, even with all the bells and whistles. This lightweight design also means minimal changes to your shooting style as there is so little to compensate for, making your aim accurate. Having the TLR-8A provided me with more light but it was easy to use and so there is no need to overcompensate your grip while you’re shooting. This light can be operated as a light only, laser only, or both, and these options are cycled through by holding one switch down and pressing the other. This versatile piece of equipment is a spectacular addition to any firearm; you will have a difficult time finding a situation in which this light won’t meet your needs.
Officers familiar with weapon lights have more than likely already used a Streamlight product. The company’s hand-held and weapon-mounted lights are extremely common in the law enforcement world. The clearest advantage of a weapon-mounted light is keeping both hands free for accuracy and weapon manipulations. Naturally a shooter’s preferences will determine what sort of light is best for them. Is the light enough? Would a laser help them as well? Is a strobe function necessary in their line of work? Will the extra weight affect accuracy? Streamlight offers a multitude of options for handguns and long guns, but when the client says they want it all, Streamlight now offers it all in one small package. The TLR-8A is a rail mounted light and laser combination. It features a bright white LED beam with a strobe function as well as a red laser. This light is easy to engage and disengage while still maintaining proper grip of your gun. No tools are required for installation so you have an easy attachment right out of the box and a quick switch between weapons when desired. This feature was nice and made it easy to try it on different firearms. This light comes equipped with an ambidextrous rear switch, which can be changed between high and low options, maximizing ergonomics so you can shoot with confidence. 18
BLUE LINE | November 2020
is because there are no buttons. Instead, the shirt has snaps, which make it easy to put on in a rush. The description of the shirt says it’s also moisture wicking and easy to move around in. That is 100 per cent accurate. The material is light and comfortable, making it breathable. Even after wearing it for several hours while working in a hectic environment, it is still crisp and sweatfree. The material is also flexible and stretchy, which I appreciate. Additionally, for those who carry firearms on or off the job, its trademarked RAPIDraw feature makes it easy to conceal a small firearm as well as access it quickly. The Liberty Flex shirt is definitely worth investing in. High switch PHOTOS: STREAMLIGHT
Low switch
Women’s Liberty Flex shirt
The first time I saw the new women’s Liberty Flex shirt from 5.11 Tactical was at the 2020 Shot Show and I immediately liked the look of it. It features clean lines that resemble a collared, button-up shirt. Its cut keeps it professional looking while also allowing it to be feminine. The reason I say it “resembles” a button-up shirt www.BlueLine.ca
Women’s tactical pants
5.11 has a new line of women’s tactical pants that are great for wearing on the job or just for outdoor activities. I tested out three of them.
1.
The ABR Pro Pant is soft to the touch and flexible to wear. It has several appealing factors for me, including extra pockets that are specifically made to hold particular items. For example, there is a pocket on the front left side of the pant that is ideal for cellphone storage. A D-ring is also hanging off the belt loop on the front of the pants, off to the right, and is ideal for hanging badge identification so you don’t have to dig through pockets to find it. There are seven convenient pockets total on the pants. Five of these are secured with Velcro. Each vary in size, giving the user plenty of options to store keys, wallets and other personal items conveniently. ABR Pro Pants are light in weight yet durable with reinforced material in areas like the knees. The triple-stitching makes them so durable and subsequently long lasting. The pants have a relaxed fit as well, making them super comfortable for hours. They are even stain-resistant due to the Teflon finish. The ABR Pro Pant is one of a kind in my experience and especially great for those who are on the job for long periods at a time.
2.
Another option for pants for female officers is the Icon Pant. These pants include Flex-Tac, which makes them extremely comfortable and long lasting. They resist not only major stains but also water and everyday dirt due to the FlexTac material so you can stay looking fresh through messy accidents or in tough, grimy situations. The pockets on the Icon Pant add up to 12 in total and include ones just the right size for extra magazines. The added pockets are definitely an advantage. These pants are especially great for those who work in any first responder field — not just policing. Whether you’re at the office as a dispatcher, patrolling or hiking outside for hours as a conservation officer, or even in training, the Icon Pant is snug and satisfying. I found them favourable for both work and pleasure.
3.
Additionally, the Apex Pant is one versatile product. Truly any woman would enjoy them in my opinion — whether she’s working at home, exploring in the mountains or spending time on the range. That being said, they are especially ideal for women in law enforcement. The Apex includes the Flex-Tac material that is in the Icon Pant but they also present a more feminine silhouette as they fit a little snugger while still remaining highly professional. These pants’ pockets in particular are great for storing all kinds of gear
— including extra knives and lights — as they do not show much of an outline or visibility of the gear’s print, allowing your accessories to remain discreet. For added security and peace of mind, there are zipper closures on the side and leg cargo pockets, which also have extra sections inside of them for maximum storage. There is even a secret pocket for securing a handcuff key. The Apex pant is professional comfort at its best. For those who are on patrol, in a tactical situation, or on scene for hours, you will be able to work with ease in these.
A.T.L.A.S. boot from 5.11
Whether holding the line at a peaceful protest, chasing a fleeing suspect or walking a beat, we in law enforcement know what it is like to spend many long hours on our feet. Due to the array of duties we must carry out, comfortable, reliable footwear is paramount, and not just any old boot will do. Officers must be able to count on their boots to appear professional and perform at a high level, regardless of the task at hand. That being said, these boots must also carry the officers comfortably — we’re talking blister-free, squeezefree zones here. The new for 2020 A.T.L.A.S boot from 5.11 takes its name from the Atlas of Greek mythology, the Titan who held up the heavens. This is because these boots do
The A.T.L.A.S boot from 5.11 is new for 2020. PHOTOS: 5.11 TACTICAL
The ABR Pro Pant
@Blue_LineMag
The Apex Pant
November 2020 | BLUE LINE
19
CLOTHING & DUTY GEAR
the same for their wearers. 5.11’s A.T.L.A.S. technology stands for “all terrain load assistance system” and 5.11 claims it is the latest innovation in tactical boots. These boots excel in all categories, I found. Firstly, it is impossible to overlook the immediate feeling of comfort when you put them on. They just envelope your foot in all the right places. The A.T.L.A.S. boot line features several types of foam to absorb shocks and increase rebound, but most importantly is the Ortholite comfort foam foot bed. Ortholite is known for creating durable, breathable foot beds used by many leading footwear brands, and their top-of-the line performance is front and centre in the A.T.L.A.S. This soft padding allows law enforcement to endure long shifts without fatigue, sweat or discomfort. You’ll also find added confidence in your step, not only because of the sharp appearance of these boots, but because of the highly adaptive soles. They’re slip resistant, traction focused and have better tread than a Humvee in a combat zone. The A.T.L.A.S.
boots are designed to help you go anywhere you may need to with ease. It doesn’t matter if you’re walking, running or climbing; if you’re on asphalt, gravel, sand or otherwise, these boots will get you there. Plus, once you get there, the optional side zipper components makes it fast and easy to take them off — though you’ll probably want to keep them on, that’s how natural they feel. Visualize this: after a long hot day, you come home to shed all the heavy equipment, peel off the shirt under the sweaty vest and finally ditch the belt cinching your pants to your waist. You’re just about ready to slip on your comfiest slippers... only to be met with the stench of grizzly death upon removing your boots. Problem solved with the A.T.L.A.S. boots; they’re made with a high abrasion air mesh, making terrible foot odour pretty near impossible from what I experienced. The difference between the A.T.L.A.S. and solid leather boots is undeniable: far less heat and moisture build inside the boots, keeping the wearer’s feet happy and healthy. Plus, the water-resistant leather
upper provides additional protection against my worst nightmare — soggy socks. When wearing these boots, you’ll have an advantage on any and every surface, be it horizontal or vertical, and even when a suspect manages to get away after a foot pursuit, at least you’ll feel like you ran on a cloud. These are just a few of the numerous, great tactical products that are on the market today. Each of these products were impressive and conducive for our law enforcement and investigative work, and we know having the right duty gear can make all of the difference in job performance. Hilary Rodela is a licensed private investigator through the state of New Mexico, a former evidence technician and crime scene investigator. She has worked for the Ruidoso Police Department as well as the Lubbock Police Department. Brendan Rodela is a patrol officer for the Ruidoso Police Department and holds a degree in Criminal Justice as well as certification in instructor development.
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2020-10-21 2:53 PM
TECHNOLOGY
BY STEVE VINCENT
Maximizing powerful mobile apps to fortify psychological resilience
N
ow more than ever, law enforcement officers and first responders are routinely exposed to traumatic events and crises that challenge their emotional, psychological, physical and mental resilience. To significantly improve health and wellness among their ranks, public safety departments and agencies need reliable and readily available resilience-based tools. Documented health risks associated with first responder professions range from stress, hypertension, heart conditions and obesity to depression, alcoholism, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicide. But seeking help is not easy, and access to psychological-based resources, services and tools is limited. As recommended in “An Occupational Risk: What Every Police Agency Should Do to Prevent Suicide Among Its Officers,” published by the Police Executive Research Forum, agencies should offer confidential, easy-to-access tools, such as online tools and mobile applications, that empower officers to assess their well-being. Answering that call, TIAG’s mResilience (“mRes”) program was developed to provide flexible resilience training options, together with the customizable mRes mobile application.
PHOTO: PEOPLEIMAGES/E+ /GETTY IMAGES
Applicable expertise
With evidence-based policing gaining more popularity and legitimacy in the policing profession, an innovative approach was needed to address wellness with first responders. The increasing surge of mass shootings, bombings and other tragic incidents prompted TIAG to develop tools for law enforcement officers and first responders who protect and serve our communities. In this work, TIAG applied expertise from its prior support of the National Center for Telehealth & Technology, a component of the U.S. Department of Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury. That’s where TIAG had previously brought together a multi-disciplined team of psychologists, technologists, analysts, user experience researchers, designers, software and mobile application developers, and other experts to design digital self-help resources that benefitted U.S. @Blue_LineMag
feedback within the mRes app, TIAG in-
This technology for officer cluded heart rate capture capability. For structure and reinforcement, the app wellness is fairly new, so the user through breath control, in there’s a growing need to walks addition to logging user effort and offering practice reminders. build a foundation in the Deep breathing, meditation and mindliterature to its overall fulness training practices are gaining ineffectiveness with police creasing popularity within first-responder communities. These self-regulation officers. methods enhance physical and mental service members and veterans. These resources included websites, online courses, mobile applications and other tools — all of which help manage stress, PTSD and depression, while building resilience. Drawing on insights gained from research, surveys, ride-alongs and interviews with front-line law enforcement officers and supervisors, TIAG’s user-experience and software teams created the design and content for the training and companion mobile app. During various stages of application development, TIAG conducted usability testing and evaluation with officers to ensure user satisfaction. Addressing support and specific resilience-building characteristics, TIAG focused on content best suited to digital and mobile platforms. TIAG’s mRes mobile app tools fit within three categories: self-regulation, social support, and motivation. Deep breathing — also known as tactical breathing — is an important part of self-regulation that’s been studied extensively with first responders, often with the additional benefit of biofeedback. To provide immediate
well-being while reducing cortisol levels and blood pressure. Equally beneficial, these methods have a positive influence on decision-making, performance, and PTSD-related symptoms. The sounds tool within the mRes app serves as yet another helpful self-regulation resource. First responders report that listening to music and nature sounds tends to improve their focus, minimize physiological responses to stress, elevate one’s mood after an upsetting event, and enhance sleep quality. Relevant to social support, one of the best predictors of resilience is the ability to establish solid interpersonal relationships, and the feeling of being supported by others. Research with law enforcement peer support teams showed that 88.7 per cent of officers rated peer support as helpful. But many officers reveal they don’t know who their peer support team members are, and outdated information on agency intranets is a frequent barrier to support. TIAG’s focus on social support within the mRes app begins with connecting officers to their department’s peer support team, in addition to November 2020 | BLUE LINE
21
TECHNOLOGY
OFF THE SHELF
BY STEVE VINCENT other departments, along with local and national support resources. Having a deep connection with one’s values, beliefs and morals also influences resilience. Motivational quotations are effective in the aim to embrace those elements that lift us up. A quotations tool within the mRes app helps to remind first responders why they choose the serve. Similarly, the tips tool within the mRes app delivers quick, actionable insights that help officers build resilience. Equally helpful, a goal-setting tool within the app empowers officers to put the app’s training and knowledge into practice.
App assessments
After initial development of the mRes app, TIAG invited 38 officers from two police departments in Oregon and Washington State to evaluate the mobile application during a 13-week longitudinal study. Their participation included in-person resilience training, a series of weekly assignments to explore the mRes application on their own time, followed by a time period during which they all used the application as they saw fit. The goal was to determine if the mResilience program actually increased resilience outcomes for officers, and whether they gained a deeper understanding of the acceptability, satisfaction and helpfulness of the training and mobile application. The pilot study yielded robust usability data that helped evaluate program offerings. Overall, participating law enforcement officers expressed high regard for the program — which includes training along with the mobile app. A total of 86 per cent said they would recommend the training to others; 94 per cent rated the instructor as knowledgeable of the material and how it related to their jobs; 80 per cent said they gleaned valuable information pertinent to their careers; and 86 per cent concurred that the mRes mobile application filled a need for law enforcement. Officers rated the usability and learnability of the mobile app through the Systems Usability Scale (SUS). Usability scores for individual features ranged from 80 – 84.6, while learnability ranged from 84.3 to 92.4. The average SUS score combining all features was 83.86. This far exceeded established SUS standard scores that hover around 68. Officers who participated in the online surveys also assessed the app’s level of helpfulness. The results showcased a favourable agreement toward helpfulness for most of the app features. 22
BLUE LINE | November 2020
A thematic analysis was also conducted to assess officers’ feedback to open-ended questions given throughout the study. Questions centered on what the officers liked, disliked and wanted to add or change for each app feature. Overall, officers reported the tools were easy to use and offered a variety of resources and content options. Officers also expressed interest in adding content to the meditations, tips, sounds and resource features. Advanced personalization features can increase user engagement and has become a leading trend in consumer digital products for a wide range of industries. Through the design study and data collection efforts, TIAG captured vast insights about what works well for some and what challenges others might experience. Insightful participant feedback gave the mResilience Team a more detailed roadmap of recommendations for updates, changes and future feature sets to consider.
A benefit to evidence-based policing
This technology for officer wellness is fairly new, so there’s a growing need to build a foundation in the literature to its overall effectiveness with police officers. We know the generation of today are very tech savvy, and the generation of the future will rely heavily on technology as it progresses. Making sure the tools and outlets for those resources are available to those who need it is vital for today’s law enforcement official. Seeing a mental health professional still has a stigma associated with it in the law enforcement field. Utilizing this technology is one way to break through those barriers in helping our officers out. Even with the successes we’ve had at TIAG, having this technology implemented and evaluated in police departments everywhere is needed, especially in today’s world where officers are under more stress than ever. Interested departments can contact mresinfo@tiag.net for more information. *Originally published by The American Society of Evidence-Based Policing on their blog here: www. americansebp.org/maximizing-powerful-mobile-apps-to-fortify-psychological-resilience/. Steve Vincent is a senior business development manager with The Informatics Applications Group (TI-AG). He served three years as a police/fire dispatcher and Reserve Police Officer before joining the U.S. Navy. In 2012-2014 he supported TIAG’s work at the DoD National Center of Telehealth & Technology. Email him at svincent@tiag.net.
Dyed in the Green By George Mercer; 2015, 361 pages ISBN: 978-0-9879754-0-9
Dyed in the Green is a fantastic, fictional account following Ben Matthews as he takes on a new position as the assistant chief park warden for Cape Breton Highlands National Park in Nova Scotia. Through Matthews, readers come to see what it is like to work for Parks Canada and the opportunities such a career holds — the travel, the solitude, the views, the team members that turn into family, the brushes with majestic wildlife. We are treated to a look at the geographical challenges for officers in the Cape Breton Highlands; the unique shape and history of the park and its learning curves for newbie Matthews. We also see the challenges in working for an organization that must police all the intersections of environmental crime while maintaining positive community relationships and boosting citizen engagement. I was thrilled to learn new parcels of information reading Dyed in the Green, filling gaps I didn’t even know I had. For example, as silly as it might seem looking back, I didn’t know it wasn’t possible to trace DNA to individual animals; only human DNA can be traced back to the individual. Readers discover this as Matthews partners up with some Mounties to piece together poaching clues. The partnerships in Dyed in the Green are not only something to aspire to; they also shiver with reality; the dialogue is that good. This book also reveals the dangers associated with the job of protecting our parks — perhaps one of its most important, resounding messages — with a jarring scene that had my mouth agape. That’s all I will say so as not to spoil it. Overall, Dyed in the Green is an entertaining quick read full of beautiful landscape descriptions, following a realistic and riveting plotline and electrified by an array of colourful, well-developed personalities. - RENÉE FRANCOEUR, EDITOR, BLUE LINE
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BLUE LINE | November 2020
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CASE LAW
BY MIKE NOVAKOWSKI
Honestly, but unreasonably, held belief not “good faith”
I
t was an error for a trial judge to conclude that an officer acted in “good faith” when his subjective belief in exigent circumstances to conduct a warrantless entry into a dwelling was not objectively reasonable. In R. v. Pawar, 2020 BCCA 251 the police received a tip from a confidential informer that someone matching the accused’s description was trafficking in cocaine and heroin. The police surveilled Pawar and observed transactions and behaviours believed to be consistent with a dial‑a‑dope operation. When police saw a woman speaking to Pawar through the passenger-side window of his car in a bank parking lot, run over to and access an ATM, and then return to Pawar’s vehicle, police arrested Pawar and the woman. On a search incidental to arrest, a small quantity of cocaine was found on Pawar and his cellphone was also seized. Following the arrests — but before the police applied for a warrant to search Pawar’s home, a location they knew he shared with his parents and brother — the police attended at the residence. The officer‑in‑charge of the investigation, relying on s. 11(7) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (exigent circumstances), authorized entry into the residence because he feared evidence could be destroyed or moved before the search warrant was obtained. The officer‑in‑charge believed that exigent circumstances justified the warrantless entry because: (1) Pawar’s mother was in the residence at the time of the arrest, (2) the arrest took place in a public area of the downtown core and a witness to it could potentially alert the occupants of the house and direct them to move or destroy evidence; and (3) he was concerned Pawar was trying to contact his family members to instruct them to move or destroy evidence based on information he had that Pawar said his mother was not home and he had asked to contact his mother or brother to get the name of a lawyer. Police knocked on the door and Pawar’s mother answered. She was instructed to leave the residence, along with the brother, until a warrant was obtained and executed. Police entered the residence and 26
BLUE LINE | November 2020
A finding of good faith can mitigate the seriousness of a Charter breach, provided an officer’s belief in the lawfulness of their conduct is both honestly and reasonably held. cleared it, taking about eight minutes to do so. Police then left the residence and waited outside until the search warrant arrived. When the police executed the warrant, they found a substantial amount of drugs street valued at $120,000. At trial in the B.C. Supreme Court the judge concluded that the officer‑in‑charge subjectively believed exigent circumstances justified the warrantless entry on the basis of a need to preserve the evidence. However, the judge found the officer’s subjective belief was not objectively reasonable. Thus, there were no exigent circumstances to justify the conduct of the police. The warrantless entry of the dwelling‑house infringed Pawar’s rights under s. 8 of the Charter. However, the judge admitted the evidence under s. 24(2). Among other things, she found the officer-in-charge acted in good faith by relying on the doctrine of exigent circumstances, which mitigated the seriousness of the Charter breach. In her view, the officer had “a reasonable concern that evidence might be moved or destroyed” and “he honestly believed that he was acting lawfully in directing officers to enter the residence.” Taking steps to remove Pawar’s mother and brother from the residence was not unreasonable. Pawar was convicted of four counts of possessing a controlled substance — cocaine, MDMA, psilocybin and marijuana — for the purpose of trafficking. Pawar appealed to B.C.’s highest court, arguing the evidence ought to have been excluded. He asserted, among other things, that the officer-in-charge did not act in good faith and therefore the trial judge’s assessment of the seriousness of the Charter breach was flawed. The Court of Appeal agreed.
“Good faith”
A finding of good faith can mitigate the seriousness of a Charter breach, provided an officer’s belief in the lawfulness of their conduct is both honestly and reasonably held. Justice Fitch, speaking for the unanimous appeal court, noted the trial judge ruled that the officer’s belief in exigent circumstances was not reasonably held. This finding precluded a conclusion that the officer was acting in good faith. Fitch stated: I can identify no evidence specific to this case capable of supporting an objectively reasonable belief that exigent circumstances required the warrantless entry of the [accused’s] private dwelling-house. There was no evidence that anyone witnessed the arrests. There was no evidence that the [accused] was being assisted by anyone else in running the drug line. There was no evidence that the [accused’s] mother or brother were aware of his drug-dealing activities. There was no evidence that the [accused] had the ability to contact any family member following his arrest. His cellphone had been seized and the [accused] was, throughout the relevant period of time, in the custody and control of the police. The female person suspected of purchasing drugs from the [accused] in the bank parking lot was also in police custody. There was no evidence of any movement within the [accused’s] home after the arrest. There was no evidence that anyone attempted to enter the [accused’s] residence after the [accused’s] arrest. Indeed, the residence appears to have been in total darkness before the warrantless entry occurred. Theoretically speaking, there will always be a risk when the police make a public arrest in a case of this kind that drugs being kept by the arrestee at a “stash house” may be moved or destroyed. There is nothing about this case that raised this risk from the general to the particular. If exigent circumstances existed in this case, they would exist in every case of this kind and warrantless entries into private dwelling-houses to preserve the scene would become the rule, not the exception. [paras. 65-66] www.BlueLine.ca
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After a s. 24(2) analysis re-do, the Court of Appeal concluded the admission of the evidence would bring the administration of justice into disrepute. Fitch concluded that the officer “was not operating in unknown legal territory” and the rules were well established. “There is a long line of judgments from the Supreme Court of Canada considering the circumstances in which exigent circumstances may justify the warrantless entry of a private dwelling‑house,” he said. “To justify such an entry, the Crown must show some case‑specific urgency in the pursuit of an investigative imperative— in this case the preservation of evidence— and a serious risk that waiting for a warrant would frustrate achievement of that imperative.” Here, the officer’s concern was general, speculative, and vague. There was nothing specific to this investigation to objectively support the officer’s subjective belief that delay would give rise to a serious risk evidence would be lost. “On the state of law that existed at the time of the warrantless entry, the police ought to have known they could not rely on vague and speculative concerns about the preservation of evidence to enter a private dwelling‑house without a warrant,” Fitch said. “They ought to have known that the investigative information available to them did not justify the warrantless entry of residential premises.” After a s. 24(2) analysis re-do, the Court of Appeal concluded the admission of the evidence would bring the administration of justice into disrepute. The very serious Charter breach and its serious impact on Pawar’s Charter-protected interests strongly favoured exclusion, which was not outweighed by the reliability of the evidence and its importance to the Crown’s case. Pawar’s convictions were quashed and acquittals were entered on all charges.
Mike Novakowski is Blue Line’s case law columnist.
@Blue_LineMag
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Attenti features virtual security layers to protect domestic violence survivors
Canada’s Prod360 has partnered with Attenti, a provider of domestic violence GPS monitoring, to tackle the alarming statistics of domestic violence and their negative effects to the individuals and families involved — a global phenomenon. (Calls to police for domestic disturbances increased as the coronavirus pandemic took a foothold in Canada, according to new data from Statistics Canada.) Attenti’s tracking technology can be “harnessed to increase the sense of security of victims, while providing improved supervision over aggressors’ compliance with court orders,” according to Prod360. “This is achieved through the creation of virtual security layers around the victim within which the aggressor’s proximity generates a notification. Enforcement agencies are provided with early warning of potential encounters between the victim and the aggressor even when unintentional.” The Domestic Violence Deterrence System “enables both the victim and the aggressor to remain within the community and continue with their daily routines,” the company explains. It provides protection at home as well as on the move and provides evidence to support victim harassment claims and facilitates prosecution processes. Attenti says its co-operation with local criminal justice agencies and other government stakeholders led to the development of domestic violence deterrence programs in Europe and South America. www.prod360.ca
Prod360 now distributing L.E.I close-range dazzling laser
The L.E.I laser incorporates “the latest technologies of laser and beam shaping,” which gives the L.E.I an “innovative character,” both in power and efficiency, according to its Canadian distributor, Prod360. The lens of the latest generation “guarantees increased resistance to environmental constraints for police, military or private security forces in relation to current non-lethal technologies and challenges.” The L.E.I is a stand-alone, waterproof portable green laser with integrated batteries that last more than 60 minutes without the need to recharge. www.prod360.ca
November 2020 | BLUE LINE
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PRE Labs introduces the Amaruq Tactical Armour System
Hexagon introduces assistive AI technology
Hexagon has introduced HxGN OnCall Dispatch | Smart Advisor, an assistive artificial intelligence (AI) technology designed to help public safety agencies detect and respond to complex emergencies sooner. Using AI, advanced statistics and machine learning (ML), Smart Advisor mines operational data in real-time to fill blind spots and alert agencies to the potential onset of complex emergencies, from large events to linked incidents. By detecting patterns and anomalies sooner, agencies can act faster and co-ordinate smarter to reduce the effects on communities, resources and staff. hxgn.biz/SmartAdvisor-cs
PRE Labs has announced the Amaruq Tactical Armour System, a new addition to its lineup of tactical carriers. The Amaruq — meaning Grey Wolf in the Inuktitut language — is a “complete tactical armour system that offers numerous innovations to better protect and equip law enforcement while on duty,” according to the company. “Like the Canadian grey wolf, the Amaruq is lean in stature, agile in action and powerfully built,” PRE Labs says. The system’s materials include Cordura nylon and Squadron fabrics as well as an Outlast thermal control layer for temperature regulation. It also boasts the PRE Labs patent-pending Quickloc four-point self-aligning magnetic system and large panels. prelabsinc.com/amaruq
Axon announces Auto-Transcribe
Auto-Transcribe is Axon’s second AI-powered product to go to market. With today’s increased adoption of body-worn cameras, agencies are faced with two major challenges: reviewing massive amounts of video evidence to find the evidence that is pertinent to the investigation; and quickly and accurately transcribing video evidence so it can move through the justice system. Historically, evidence has been reviewed as two separate streams – audio and video. With Axon Auto-Transcribe the audio and video is unified so it can be viewed together creating a clearer picture of what happened. ca.axon.com
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BACK OF THE BOOK BY TOM WETZEL
Seven police tenets to live by in 21 words
I
have the privilege to teach a regular risks due to dangerous situations, exposure semester on community policing at to infectious diseases and witnessing the a local college as well as provide in- suffering of others, combined with the struction to police officers through overall psychological strain associated with the Northcoast Polytechnic Institute on a police work, will take their toll and are variety of topics including leadership and factors in why cops die about a dozen years media relations. It allows me the opportun- sooner than the average American. ity to reach young students interKeep the community safe ested in a career in law enforce- With trust ment as well as officers looking to comes better This is why the public pays us better themselves through relationships, — even if we can only do so much with limited resources. on-going training. My goal is to which then For any real long-term success provide them with insight on how allows the though, we need to find ways to best to serve others as well as “server” and get our community members survive the challenges they will the “served” to have a more involved. We need to face from this special calling. make them true “partners” if we It is difficult to specifically symbiotic sum up all they will encounter collaboration are to be successful in the goal of making their neighbourhoods and how best to deal with things. in the wellsafe places to live and thrive. We Books could and have been writ- being of a also need to find new strategies ten on this. But as a society, we community. in crime prevention and develop tend to want things bundled and easy to digest. And brevity does have its bold blueprints for how best to serve our advantages as a lot can be said in a short communities and keep them safe. amount of space. With that in mind, the following are seven police tenets to live by Catch troublemakers and they are all wrapped up in exactly 21 This tenet blends closely with No. 3, as catching troublemakers is vital to making words. a community safer. We should never tire in trying to ferret out those who cause • Serve with honour suffering and pain to others from crimin• Stay safe and healthy al activity. • Keep the community safe • Catch troublemakers Build trust and relationships • Build trust and relationships Without having a solid level of trust among • Make friends those we serve, we will be “handcuffed” in • Have fun our policing efforts. With trust comes Serve with honour better relationships, which then allows the This one is really the most critical and can “server” and the “served” to have a symbibe accomplished in any range of service otic collaboration in the well-being of a time. It is applicable whether an officer community. makes it to retirement or is stopped short due to a line of duty death or debilitating Make friends injury. Serving with honour is valued on This one piggybacks off No. 5 as relationEarth and into the unknown beyond, in my ships can become friendships. American opinion. Honour is what makes our “ser- actor James Garner summed it up nicely vice” to others so much more than just when he is quoted saying, “You can never “service.” It is the life blood of policing have too many friends.” There will be plenty of times in your career when you’re and should be our strongest motivator. going to need them to help you cope and Stay safe and healthy make sense of things. We do ourselves no good if we don’t make our health and safety a priority. It means Have fun taking our training seriously, staying in We see and experience too much crazy shape through good diets and exercise, and stuff in this line of work. Having a sense of keeping our heads clear. Rotating shifts, humour and trying to have some fun when 30
BLUE LINE | November 2020
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we’re able to will go a long way in keeping us grounded and controlling stress. Having some solid principles to live by can be the difference between a rewarding life experience as a police officer or one that drains the life out of you. These seven tenets summed up in just a few words are an excellent guide to having an enriching career while protecting and serving. Tom Wetzel is the chief of police in Richmond Heights, Ohio, a Northeast Ohio suburban police lieutenant and former SWAT commander. He is also a certified law enforcement executive, adjunct professor in community policing and internationally published author on police topics.
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