Yukon RCMP Quarterly Report - October to December, 2020

Yukon RCMP, M Division, aims to keep the peace and uphold the law by providing Territorial, First Nation, Specialized, and Federal policing. It has been our privilege to serve in partnership with our communities providing policing services since 1895.

All of our employees are committed to enforcing federal and provincial statutes, curbing organized crime, ensuring public safety, border integrity, national security and the safety of state officials. Many employees work in specialized operational support sections that assist police investigations at the district level and federal support sections that investigate matters of national and international scope.

The Yukon RCMP is pleased to report the continued progress made during the months of October through December 2020.

This report is broken into two sections, Contract and Indigenous Policing and Federal Policing.

Contract and Indigenous Policing is then further subdivided into the 2020-2021 Yukon Minister of Justice Policing Priorities.

Contract and Indigenous Policing

Priority 1: Improve engagement to increase public trust

The primary objectives for this priority include:

• Trust – so that RCMP members are visible and approachable to the public.
• Proactive engagement – so that RCMP members commit to outreach, interactions with partner agencies, and collaboration with First Nations resulting in meaningful engagements that are focused on the needs of all Yukoners.
• Response – so RCMP members are able to contribute to a trauma-informed focus that supports unbiased, respectful and culturally sensitive police response.
• Wellness – since police are exposed to some of the most challenging and traumatic events in the course of their work, the RCMP must advance self-care, mental health and member wellness strategies as being essential for all members of the RCMP.
• Public awareness – the RCMP must contribute to public education related to individual rights and responsibilities when interacting with the RCMP. This will help to promote safety and comfort during RCMP interactions. Education sessions should include information on how to make an effective complaint and how to offer comments about RCMP conduct.

Trust and proactive engagement

The following events reflect the positive engagement of Yukon RCMP officers within their communities:

Teslin

On December 15 the Minister of Community Services presented Teslin RCMP Constable Amy Handrahanwith the Government of Yukon's Annual Community Recreation Leadership Award. The Government of Yukon gives out this award every year to Yukoners who have made outstanding contributions to recreation in their community. Amy Handrahan was nominated for her specific contributions as a coach with Teslin Minor Hockey and her overall commitment to recreation programming in her community.

Dawson City

This year, Dawson City RCMP Detachment was recognized as Group of the Year by Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in First Nations. The awards ceremony was held virtually, however THFN has requested RCMP attend the next Chief and Council meeting in person where they will be presented with a plaque.

We cannot award the Group of the Year without mentioning those who gave the most to keep us safe: health care workers, first responders, and front-line workers. […] To them, we offer a big Mähsi Cho. We owe you a debt gratitude for all that you've done and continue to do. Our Group of the Year are great partners to Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in, and are a regular and constant presence at our community events. To quote one nomination: 'They demonstrate high regard and respect for TH Government and culture, and reliably pitch in at cultural events, whether it's helping out at hunting camps, serving citizens at community dinners, or calling bingo for our Elders Birthday parties and GAs.' When TH needed help enforcing quarantine and self-isolation requirements, they stepped up to keep us safe.[…]

In a year when the effects of police action were in the global spotlight, we are grateful to be able to look at our local police and see a model of culturally informed, respectful and community-minded policing. This year's Group of the Year is: The Dawson RCMP Detachment.

Ross River

This year the Ross River RCMP along with their wives prepared and delivered approximately 120 dozen cookies, one to each household in Ross River. A special thanks to both spouses Tennelle Blake and Anum Hamidi for the many hours they volunteered to prepare 1440 cookies to be delivered. Corporal Blake also volunteered several hours during his regular time off to assist with the preparation and packaging of the cookies. Corporal Blake and Constable Hamidi delivered all of the cookies to every occupied residence in Ross River over a two-day period. The initiative was overall well received by the residents of Ross River.

Forty Mile

Recognizing the 125^th Anniversary of the RCMP (North-West Mounted Police [NWMP] and Royal North West Mounted Police [RNWMP]) in Yukon. Due to COVID-19 restrictions and precautions, the Yukon RCMP have been unable to properly recognize the 125^th anniversary of the RCMP (NWMP and RNWMP) in the Yukon. Respecting COVID-19 guidelines a party of four RCMP members and two Canadian Rangers made a three-day snowmobile trip to Forty Mile, best known as the oldest town in Yukon. The reason for choosing Forty Mile is that it was the site of Fort Constantine, the First RCMP outpost established in the Yukon (1895). There is nothing left of Fort Constantine itself, which was situated across the Forty Mile River from the settlement, the Detachment itself was moved to the Forty Mile town site in 901. Forty Mile is located 88 km. downriver from Dawson City, at the confluence of the Yukon and Forty Mile Rivers, it can also be reached by seasonal roads. The group travelled by road (unplowed Top of the World Highway and then Clinton Creek Road), as the river ice is very uneven and jagged this year making it very difficult to navigate on snowmobiles.

While at Forty Mile the group had use of a cabin, owned by Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in First Nations (THFN), as the accompanying Rangers were THFN first citizens and had access to the cabin. This was fortunate as overnight temperatures fell to −40C° while the group was there. While in Forty Mile the group explored the area, took photos outside the old RCMP Detachment, visited with some locals, and had a couple of local Forty Mile residents over for supper one of the nights.

In addition to being Canadian Rangers and THFN citizens, Richard Nagano was also a Special Constable with the RCMP for a number of years. His brother Peter Nagano was sworn in as a Supernumerary Constable to guide the Centennial Patrol between Dawson City and Fort McPherson back in 1995.

The Yukon RCMP engage daily with the communities they serve, working together with individuals and agencies to build trust and develop strong working relationships. Through the COVID-19 Pandemic, opportunities to engage in community activities has diminished, however Yukon RCMP officers take every opportunity to participate wherever possible. Some examples of community engagement include:

• Maintaining community cross country ski trails
• Running community fitness programs
• Attendance at Remembrance Day and other community ceremonies
• Delivery of food hampers, groceries, and meals to community members

Community events and engagement - October to December 2020 - Text version

Community events and engagement - October to December 2020

Community name	Community events and engagement
Beaver Creek	10
Carcross	1
Carmacks	10
Dawson City	8
Faro	15
Haines Junction	2
May	6
Old Crow	13
Pelly Crossing	8
Ross River	7
Teslin	11
Watson Lake	7
Whitehorse	6

Stakeholder engagement

Respecting COVID-19 guidelines for gathering, as well as the health of individuals in all Yukon communities, many meetings have moved to virtual/electronic format. The Yukon RCMP remain committed to engaging with key stakeholder groups in their respective communities. These Stakeholder Groups include:

• Fire Chief/Fire Department
• Social Services
• Offender Supervision Services
• Conservation Services
• Emergency Medical Service
• Hospital staff / Nursing staff
• Shelter staff (men's and women's)

Stakeholder engagements - October to December 2020 - Text version

Stakeholder engagements - October to December 2020

Community name	Stakeholder engagements
Beaver Creek	3
Carcross	11
Carmacks	10
Dawson City	15
Faro	14
Haines Junction	1
Mayo	5
Old Crow	6
Pelly Crossing	5
Ross River	14
Teslin	9
Watson Lake	18
Whitehorse	30

Yukon Police Council

Yukon RCMP were invited to present at the Yukon Police Council meeting in December held in Whitehorse Yukon. The Quarterly report was presented to members of the committee with the opportunity to comment and provide feedback on the report. Discussions occurred around; Specialized Response Unit, Sexual Assault Review Committee, Public Notification, Integrated Child Exploitation, Youth Liaison for Whitehorse Detachment, and Public Complaints.

Mobile Crisis Unit

Whitehorse RCMP, seeking to improve response to Mental Health Act incidents, is developing a Mobile Crisis Unit. A Mobile Crisis Unit is a collaboration between a police department and mental health clinicians to improve response to individuals in mental health crisis. A uniform RCMP member and clinical nurse, specializing in mental health, will work together offering on-site emotional and mental health assessments, crisis intervention and referrals to appropriate services.

The program will establish a partnership between the Government of Yukon Health and Social Services and Whitehorse RCMP to provide a response team that is able to intervene, assess, and support people having a mental health crisis in the community. Information sharing, policy, procedures are currently being prepared, with the goal to have the program up and running by summer 2021.

Project Rainbow

Yukon RCMP will be adopting Project Rainbow and will proudly display the Project Rainbow sticker in the window of all Yukon detachments. This sticker, which includes the image of the Pride flag includes the following statement:

• We can be approached without judgement.
• You can feel safe speaking to us.
• This is a show of support for diversity and inclusion.
• We seek to create a positive and safe space for everyone.
• We embrace the diversity of the population.
• We are Canada's national police: serving with pride.

Project Rainbow has its roots in an event experienced by Corporal Brendan Harkness while he was posted at a small detachment in Nunavut. He was approached by a member of the community who knew people who identified as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning and Two-Spirit (LGBTQ2S+) but felt they were unable to come out. Corporal Harkness began considering what ways he could show support through the RCMP. Two years later, on October 15, 2020, Brendan's business case for Project Rainbow was approved.

M Division is devoted to supporting the equity, diversity and inclusion of all Yukoners and our employees. Project Rainbow is a fantastic visual representation of this commitment and will be implemented division-wide to ensure that Yukoners know that everyone is welcome at our detachments.

Wellness

The Yukon RCMP promotes the support, self care, and mental health of all employees. class="text-right" is provided through various means:

Peer to peer

The RCMP's Peer-to-Peer program is available to all employees. There are currently five trained Peer to Peer personnel within the Yukon, they are available to assist employees with such things as providing support and assisting individuals in obtaining the resources they need. The Peer to Peer program promotes maintaining one's health - both mentally and physically, and provides information and guidance on various programs that are available within the organization.

Critical Incident Stress Debriefing

In the course of their duties, employees of the RCMP may be exposed to critical incidents, an exceptional and uncommon event with great emotional impact that has potential to overwhelm normal coping. To assist employees effected directly or indirectly with these incidents, Critical Incident Stress Debriefings are held. Critical Incident Stress Debriefings are normally held at least 72-hours after the incident and provide an opportunity for normalization of stress reactions through education. These sessions facilitate the establishment of a support network within the work environment.

RCMP guide to supporting transgender, non-binary and two-spirit employees

The RCMP is committed to an inclusive and equitable workplace culture, free of discrimination and harassment. This goes hand in hand with the RCMP's core values of integrity, honesty, professionalism, compassion, respect and accountability. Ensuring that the RCMP is inclusive of transgender, non-binary and two-spirit (TNB2S) employees is one part of a broader vision for diversity and inclusion. The guide was developed and distributed for RCMP employees and is intended to provide practical information based on current knowledge, policies and practices. The guide will be reviewed and updated annually. While this guide is focused on enhancing inclusivity in the workplace, it can also be used when considering RCMP policies and practices related to how we serve communities in Canada and abroad. Recognizing that there is more to do to ensure that RCMP policies and practices are inclusive, this guidance is to help inform efforts to avoid and remove barriers for TNB2S people.

Priority 2: Strengthen supports for vulnerable persons and victims of violence, and continue the implementation of SART services

The primary objectives for this priority include:

• Continuing to implement the Government of Yukon's Sexualized Assault Response Team (SART) in Yukon communities, including training for front line RCMP members who are investigating sexualized assault.
• Strengthening Yukon's existing support network for vulnerable persons through increased coordination and cooperation with relevant government departments and non-government organizations. Possibly implementing a case management or situation table approach (in the spirit of FOCUS, the Forum for Collaboration and United Services) as a tool to this end.
• Engaging with youth and working collaboratively with partners to recognize and increase support for children and youth who may be vulnerable to violence, child exploitation, or the influence of organized crime.
• Fostering recognition within the RCMP that a consistent culture of compassionate and trauma-informed interaction with vulnerable persons and victims is necessary to address the undercurrents of fear and mistrust related to the RCMP.

StepWise Training

The Step-Wise Interview (Yuille, 1990) is an example of a technique that has been developed specifically for the investigative interviewing of children. It is a phased interview model approach used by investigators and social workers to interview children in a non-leading manner, to gather best evidence to assess ongoing safety concerns for children while also meeting the standards required for their evidence to be used in court.

In December 2020, this training was offered to seven participants, respecting COVID-19 Guidelines. Guest speakers included Public Prosecution Services Canada and Integrated Child Exploitation. This is the third offering of this training in Yukon.

Sexual Assault Investigation Review Committee

The Yukon RCMP is in the process of establishing a Sexual Assault Investigation Review Committee. External sexual assault review committees are an important mechanism that has proved beneficial to many police agencies. Since publishing "The Way Forward: The RCMP's sexual assault review and victim support action plan, the Sexual Assault Review Team", National Headquarters has developed the necessary framework to support external review committees.

Working collaboratively with victim advocates and other experts will strengthen the RCMP's response to sexual assault crimes, and improve the quality of sexual assault investigations, while enhancing public trust. Sexual Assault Investigations Review Committees will become extensions to the sexual assault investigation process, ensuring investigations are thorough, timely, impartial and properly classified.

It is expected that the review committee will be established and trained early in 2021 and be able to conduct file reviews prior to the end of the 2020/21 fiscal year.

Yukon Sexualized Assault Response Team

The Yukon RCMP continues to be an active participant in the implementation committee, as well as the development and training committee. The Yukon RCMP's participation allows for reciprocal sharing and receiving of information relating to updates and changes taking place within the organization.

The RCMP's Sexual Assault Review Team objectives within the program include:

• Treat victims of sexual assault with compassion, care and respect, informed by established evidence-based best practices
• Conduct sexual assault investigations across Canada consistently and to the highest professional standards, with oversight practices established to ensure the greatest level of accountability and stewardship of investigations

In October 2020, Sexual Assault Review Team completed their evaluation of the Yukon Program, RCMP employees assisted the evaluation by providing interviews and completing surveys in order to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the program. Yukon RCMP are committed to ensuring investigative excellence and support for victims of sexual assault in Canada.

Highlighted areas of success of the program include:

• Recognition of the importance of the program
• Improvement in provision of after-hours service
• Benefits of the Sexual Assault Review Team Coordinator position

Areas that highlight where improvement of the program is needed include:

• Increase connection and collaboration
• Additional Training
• Expansion of services to be available 24/7

There are many Yukon RCMP initiatives that have been implemented in the Territory, the following are a few highlights:

Police training and awareness

Yukon RCMP is updating operational policy for sexual assault investigations. Policy will:

• Require the investigator to complete a divisional check sheet/investigational report that will ensure that victim's needs are addressed; all investigative avenues are pursued; and referrals for victim assistance programs have been completed
• Mandatory training for all M Division members to complete the following:
  • Using Trauma Informed Approach
  • Consent Laws and Myths
  • Victim Interviewing

This Operational Policy is undergoing a final review.

Investigative accountability

Divisional policy directs that a supervisor will review all sexual assaults within 24-hours (for detachments with 24-hour coverage), with continued review until the file is complete. In non-24-hour detachments, the supervisor will review all sexual assaults as soon as practical, with continued review until the file is complete. The policy also indicates that a supplementary report will be completed by the supervisor indicating that the file has been reviewed and to provide operational guidance and direction as needed.

Victim support

Two additional positions have been added within the Specialized Response Unit which enables the Unit to be available to respond to sexual assault investigations 24/7 for support, consultation and guidance to investigators. The Specialized Response Unit will work collaboratively with Yukon Sexual Assault Review Team within the protocols. Specialized Response Unit is also engaged with Project Lynx, which is a multi-agency case consultative group directed towards high risk, vulnerable victims under the age of 19. M Division has both third party reporting and "kits on ice" programs in place. Third party reporting is obtained from the Sexual Assault Review Team crisis line.

Public education and communication

Yukon Sexual Assault Review Team program outlines several options to victims of sexual assault, providing a "no wrong door" approach to services. The information on the Sexual Assault Review Team website provides information on what to expect with each option, including filing a police report. M Division has worked collaboratively with other agencies in the development of this information.

Specialized Response Unit

The Yukon RCMP has transferred two additional positions and associated materials unit's ability to respond to our most vulnerable victims. The Specialized Response Unit schedule has been modified to ensure a Specialized Response Unit member is available to each watch/team within Whitehorse Detachment, mirroring the watch schedule. Specialized Response Unit works alongside each watch, providing the necessary investigative support and expertise for these types of investigations.

Specialized Response Unit is available to all Yukon detachments 24/7, to respond to their calls for assistance and provide advice and guidance.

The Specialized Response Unit's mandate includes sexual assaults, serious and complex domestic violence, child/elder abuse, human trafficking and any other investigation of a sensitive nature. The Specialized Response Unit's focus will be centered on the needs of the victim, ensuring that the RCMP is responding in a victim-centered, trauma-informed manner. Current staffing levels of the Specialized Response Unit are one Corporal and three Constables, with an additional candidate identified and awaiting transfer to the Division.

Internet Child Exploitation

The Internet Child Exploitation investigator's role is to investigate a wide range of Internet Child Exploitation, which includes: Luring a Child, Making Child Pornography Available, Accessing Child Pornography, Making Child Pornography and the Possession of Child Pornography. This position was created by the Commanding Officer of M Division from existing resources. While the Internet Child Exploitation investigator receives most of the investigations through the National Child Exploitation Crime Centre in Ottawa, the investigator assists or takes the lead on investigations which were reported directly to the Yukon RCMP.

The volume of child exploitation investigations has increased in the last few years in Yukon, likely due to the accessibility of internet and technology. In Yukon, these types of offences have increased 160% (24) from 2018 to 2020:

• 2018 - 15 cases
• 2019 - 30 cases
• 2020 - 39 cases

Yukon RCMP received a report in fall 2019 indicating that a person in Whitehorse had uploaded child pornography to a social media platform. Through investigation, the Yukon RCMP Internet Child Exploitation investigator identified a 30-year-old man residing in Whitehorse. In February 2020, a search warrant was executed at his residence, which provided evidence to support charges. The man was charged with Possession of Child Pornography on March 9, 2020. Between March 2020 and November 2020, a complete forensic analysis of the evidence was conducted which resulted in Yukon RCMP laying additional charges of Importation of Child Pornography.

Youth engagement

Respecting that COVID-19 restrictions vary between Yukon communities, the Yukon RCMP officers remain committed to engaging with youth in their communities.

School visits and youth activities - October to December 2020 - Text version

School visits and youth activities - October to December 2020

Community name	School visits	Youth activities
Beaver Creek	13	3
Carcross	13	2
Carmacks	17	3
Dawson City	3	3
Faro	16	15
Haines Junction	18	37
Mayo	6	2
Old Crow	5	9
Pelly Crossing	4	1
Ross River	6	9
Teslin	6	24
Watson Lake	4	2
Whitehorse	2	16

The following are a few highlights of school and/or youth activities in the communities:

• In consultation with the school Principal, Beaver Creek Officers provided each child (seven in total) a small gift on behalf of the RCMP for the holidays.
• Carcross RCMP attended the school and engaged in an educational talk with the students about drugs.
• Carmacks RCMP and their spouses hosted Halloween Festivities at the Carmacks Detachment. The event was hosted in partnership with the Healthy Families program. The Detachment secure bay was decorated, and trick-or-treaters tested their luck at the "Wheel of Choice", which resulted in them receiving an RCMP treat bag, Healthy Families Treat Bag, or a toy. Hot chocolate, stickers, and tattoos were also provided.
• Dawson city members are working with school administration to complete school talks and increase police visibility. Five formal talks have been completed at the school on a variety of topics.
• Faro Detachment members are maintaining the town cross country trails which are well used by the public and school. Constable Sauve attends school regularly taking part in the school outdoor education, physical education, and wood workshop classes with high-school and elementary teachers.
• In Haines Junction, Youth hockey is underway with Constable Van Hussen coaching and Constable Roberts assisting. Constable Roberts also attended the School in Destruction Bay for a visit.
• Mayo Detachment officers, along with community and First Nations partners, hosted the annual RCMP Halloween Party.
• In Old Crow, members attend weekly floor hockey in the school gym with community youth.
• In Pelly Crossing, members, along with the Community Safety officer, hosted a Halloween event for the families and children of the community. Police vehicles were set up with lights and police tape for the children to walk through to get to the candy being handed out.
• Ross River and Faro members played Basketball at the community Centre with local high school students. Ross River members are assisting with the set up and flooding of the community skating rink.
• In Teslin, Constable Handrahan, along with other community volunteers, continues to coach youth minor hockey twice a week. Members also participate in afterschool floor hockey with grades four-to-five students.
• In Watson Lake, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the High school volleyball teams were advised that they could not attend the Territorial volleyball tournament in Whitehorse. Constable Arthur, organized a team to play against both the senior and junior teams. Most everyone in the detachment took part, along with local conservation officers and a few teachers. Constable Arthur's team was able to hold their own against highly skilled and much younger teams and no injuries!

SAFE School Plans

SAFE (School Action for Emergencies) is a computer application internal to the RCMP. SAFE offers a database of site-specific information intended to help front-line members respond to critical incidents on or near school property.

The application contains information about schools under RCMP jurisdiction and select schools that are not. SAFE contains information such as:

• school locations and contacts
• floor and site plans and maps
• points of interest (that is tactical options, staging areas, traffic information)
• lockdown procedures

Whitehorse RCMP have updated SAFE plans for all Whitehorse Area schools for the 2020-21 school year. The newest school 'Paul-Émile Mercier Secondary School Community Centre' should be completed early 2021.

White Hatter

In 2018, Yukon RCMP Internet Child Exploitation investigator identified the need for youths to be educated on Internet Safety as she noted an increasing number of investigations involving local children being threatened, extorted, lured and abused online. Identifying that pro-active education was key. The White Hatter, a British Columbia (BC) based company, was identified as a possible resource to assist the Internet Child Exploitation investigator in providing much needed education to youth. In person presentations were delayed due to COVID-19, however as a result the company created webinars for their presentation.

In early November, The White Hatter presented to the Grade 8 and Grade 9 students of F.H. Collins Secondary School on Cyberbullying, sexting nudes and the Law. Following the presentation, the ICE Investigator, along with a general duty member, attended F.H. Collins Secondary School on three occasions to discuss the topics presented by The White Hatter and answer questions of the students.

Holy Family Elementary School and Porter Creek Secondary School also approached The White Hatter for presentations on recommendation from the Internet Child Exploitation investigator. It is the ICE investigator's hopes to have as many students as possible presented on these important topics. It could literally save lives.

Technovation Canada

In early December, Yukon RCMP Internet Child Exploitation investigator received information on an amazing opportunity for young Yukon females between the ages of 10 and 18 years with Technovation Canada. Technovation Canada offers a free program across Canada from January to April. The youth work in teams of up to five girls, and supported by mentors go through four stages of launching a mobile app start-up company. From ideation through taking the business to market.

The Internet Child Exploitation investigator shared this opportunity to all Yukon RCMP detachment commanders in the territory to share with their respective schools. More information can be seen at technovationcanada.org.

Priority 3: Foster meaningful relationships with First Nations, including Elders, and throughout the communities

The primary objectives for this priority include:

• Strengthening lines of communication between First Nations, community members and the RCMP to ensure that the delivery of policing services is professional, dedicated and responsive to the needs, traditions and cultures of Yukon First Nations.
• Engaging partner First Nations to develop meaningful policing priorities for each community participating in the First Nations Policing Program.
• Including First Nations in the screening processes for RCMP members who are going to communities, and ensuring that new police officers receive a community orientation delivered in collaboration with First Nations, community leaders and other local stakeholders.
• Supporting RCMP members in all detachments to contribute to community safety planning processes undertaken by their communities.
• Refining the RCMP's role to help maintain healthy, safe communities; alongside other community supports such as the auxiliary policing program, community safety officers, community safety guards, and the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods unit (SCAN).

Letter of Expectation

In Beaver Creek, Corporal Drapeau provided the White River First Nations with a draft Letter of Expectation under the Community Tripartite Agreement (CPA). The Letter of Expectation defines and promotes positive and co-operative relationships and provides policing priorities, goals, and strategies that are specific to the needs of White River First Nation. On December 16, 2020 White River First Nations Chief signed the Letter of Expectation.

Ross River artifacts

A former BC RCMP employee, Brian Denman, was an avid collector of Yukon artifacts. Upon his passing, his collection was returned to Yukon RCMP with the wish that these artifacts be brought back to their rightful places. It is with this in mind that the Yukon RCMP returned these items to the Ross River Dena First Nations.

When the Yukon RCMP initially received these items, the help of a local archaeologist was enlisted to help date and identify the artifacts. It is our hope that some of the information provided may help fill in the gaps that have been created through the years – even centuries in the case of some of these artifacts. A large amount of these objects are difficult to place, but they are historically significant to our Yukon First Nations, and it is only right that they rest in the hands of their rightful owners.

A detailed description of the items, as well as information from the archaeologist was provided to aid in identifying and placing these artifacts.

We hope that the return of these artifacts is a step in the right direction and speaks to our continuing efforts to build relationship and community with Yukon First Nations.

Tr'ondëk Hwech'in First Hunt

Members of the Dawson City RCMP Detachment took part in the Tr'ondëk Hwech'in, First Hunt that ran from October 23 to the 26th, 2020. The First Hunt was established to ensure the traditions and knowledge of honouring and consuming from the land and water are honoured. This years First Hunt activities took place at the Tr'ondëk Hwech'in camp at Cache Creek on the Dempster Highway, as well as the Hart River Road. There were 16 youth that took part in the First Hunt with the group being split in half each day. One group of youth would go hunting and the other group would remain in camp and work on things such as firearms safety and outdoor skills. The Dawson City RCMP members worked with the youth on their firearms safety and helped them with target shooting on the range. After the target shooting members took part in helping set up an archery range for the youth and chopping firewood. There were also games such as a tea boiling contest where youth had to use their fire starting skills to get a fire started quickly and boil water.

Commanding Officer's Yukon First Nations Advisory Committee

On December 8, members of the Commanding Officer's Yukon First Nations Advisory Committee (COYFNAC) met via teleconference. The Commanding Officer provided an update to members on recent activities and/or updates including:

• Restrictions in some areas due to COVID-19, such as community involvement which has declined significantly
• Continued concerns in relation to drug activity in Yukon
• Yukon Advisory Council for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Womxn, Girls, and Two Spirit (MMIWG2S+) signing of the Declaration by various organization including the RCMP renewed commitment to the MMIWG2S+ strategy

COYFNAC members also provided community updates, some highlights include:

• Increased visibility of RCMP officers conducting proactive patrols in communities and surrounding areas
• Participation in Peacemaker healing circle in Carcross;
• Appointment of a new Community Liaison officer, Constable Cook, for the Ta'an Kwäch'än Council
• Kluane First Nations members are pleased with the increased police presence in Burwash Landing
• Liard First Nations are patiently awaiting for the new Detachment Commander to arrive in Watson Lake and will discuss the CTA and start working on the Letter of Expectation with him
• First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun Chief met with visiting RCMP members and was asked to do a Letter of Expectation. The Chief will be forming a Policing Committee, to discuss expectations of policing in the community of Mayo

Yukon Advisory Committee Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

The Yukon RCMP Commanding officer participates as an ex-officio member of the Yukon Advisory Committee on a Yukon Strategy in response to the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The Minister responsible for the Women's Directorate in Yukon chairs the committee.

The Yukon Advisory Committee has developed a Yukon Strategy based on the National Inquiry's Calls for Justice, a review of other national and territorial reports, and recommendations from past gatherings of family members. This long-term strategy will represent a whole of Yukon approach, outlining specific action plans and roles for all stakeholders and all Yukoners to play. The Yukon RCMP has implemented many changes since the publication of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) calls for Justice in 2019 and is fully in place to support the Yukon Strategy going forward.

The Yukon plan, titled 'Changing the Story to Upholding Dignity and Justice: Yukon's MMIWG2S+ People Strategy' was released on December 10, 2020.

Consultation on staffing of Detachment Commanders

The Yukon RCMP is looking to identify a new Detachment Commander for both Teslin and Old Crow Detachments.

Acting District Officer, Sergeant Rob Morin had an in person consultation with the Chief of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nations in December to obtain his input on staffing of the position.

Yukon RCMP have also reached out to the Community of Teslin and the Teslin Tlingit Council regarding staffing and will be scheduling a meeting as soon as possible in 2021.

Community Safety Officers

Community Safety Officers (CSO) in the communities of Pelly Crossing and Kwanlin Dün First Nations play an important role in policing in those communities.

Of note this quarter, a Pelly Crossing CSO provided Constable Perry an orientation for Selkirk First Nations and the community of Pelly Crossing. History of the village was discussed along with community events and local contacts. A joint patrol was made around the village wherein the CSO provided valuable information on local residents, elders, and youths. A plan was set for the CSO to provide a map identifying local fish camps for Members as there are often 911 calls to these remote locations.

The CSO also participated in a check stop on New Years Eve. All three Pelly Crossing members, along with the CSO, worked together on New Year's Eve night to increase visibility, to conduct a check stop, and increase visibility.

Priority 4: Continue enforcement efforts to combat serious, drug-related, and organized crime

The primary objectives related to this priority include:

• Enhancing the response to, and investigations of, violent crime.
• Enhancing the response to, and investigations of, territorial crime connected with the drug trade and/or criminal groups.
• Collaborating with other agencies such as the City of Whitehorse Bylaw Services, the Government of Yukon's SCAN Unit, and First Nations Community Safety Officer programs to develop proactive approaches that combat organized crime.

Drug Enforcement Violation groups

Drug Enforcement Violation group offences - April to December 2019 and 2020 - Text version

Drug Enforcement Violation group offences - April to December 2019 and 2020

Offence group	2019	2020
Trafficking	144	190
Production	1	2
Possession	35	43
Drug Enforcement other	14	37

• Trafficking increase 32% (46)
• Production increase 100% (1)
• Possession increase 23% (8)
• Drug Enforcement other increase 164% (23)

Crime Reduction Unit

The Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) is a significant initiative undertaken by M Division to address drugs and organized crime in Yukon. This Unit was created by the Commanding from existing positions and associated resources within M Division. While it is a core policing activity, it is deeply rooted in M Division's efforts towards reconciliation, the policing priorities, and the RCMP's commitment to the protection of some of Yukon's most vulnerable citizens.

The Crime Reduction Unit's focus is on investigation and enforcement activities relating to Criminal Code, Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and Territorial Legislation.

The Crime Reduction Unit continues to target traffickers of illicit drugs in the Yukon Territory and provides outreach (health information) to the vulnerable population effected by the illicit drug trade.

Notable occurrences:

October, 2020

Members of the Yukon RCMP Crime Reduction Unit, Critical Incident Program, and the Whitehorse Detachment executed Search Warrants on Azure Road. This operation was conducted after a significant joint surveillance operation of the property between Yukon RCMP and Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Unit on activities consistent with drug trafficking. All four occupants of the residence at the time, two males and two females, were taken into custody.

The RCMP seized from the residence:

• A large sum of Canadian currency
• Prohibited weapons including brass knuckles and a conducted energy weapon (Taser)
• Scales contaminated with a substance believed to be cocaine
• Other suspected illicit drug substances
• A large quantity of ammunition

All four individuals were subsequently charged under the Criminal Code and Controlled Drugs and Substance Act.

November 2020

Yukon RCMP's Crime Reduction Unit began investigating an individual for drug-related offenses. Members of the Yukon Government's Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods unit had also been investigating a property related to this person. A joint investigation between CRU and SCAN led to the approval of a search warrant for the property, and two related vehicles, on November 27, 2020.

Officers from CRU and Whitehorse Detachment executed these search warrants on November 27, 2020 at the residence on Prospector Road in Whitehorse and seized the following:

• Canadian currency in excess of $2,000
• An amount of cocaine
• A crossbow and ammunition
• Multiple cell phones
• Drug paraphernalia and packaging materials

One individual was arrested and subsequently charged under the Criminal Code and Controlled Drug and Substance Act.

Fentanyl/synthetic opioids

Between April 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020 RCMP officers in Yukon administered Naloxone to members of the general public on twenty-three (23) separate occasions. Yukon RCMP attended forty-six (46) separate calls for service where Synthetic Opioid/Fentanyl was suspected. Both of these areas indicate a significant increase compared to the same reporting period of the previous year.

Yukon RCMP's response to illicit drug use and overdose emergencies:

• The Yukon RCMP Crime Reduction Unit targets drug traffickers, not users who are often in a vulnerable situation. The Yukon RCMP remain committed to helping our most vulnerable population, not only by stemming the flow of drugs into and around the Territory, but by providing resources to Yukoners who struggle with addiction problems.
• This is a bigger issue beyond policing which requires a multi-pronged approach that includes prevention, education, harm reduction and enforcement.
• Focus remains on enforcement, dealing with the illicit activities associated to fentanyl – the importation, production, distribution and trafficking of this drug.
  • Enforcement is a key component in keeping our community secure and we are always seeking innovative ways to hold the responsible offenders accountable. Playing a significant role in this enforcement is the Yukon RCMP's Crime Reduction Unit.
  • The mandate of the Crime Reduction Unit includes targeting suspects and criminal groups impacting some of Yukon's most vulnerable members, and pro-actively investigating prolific offenders.

Harm Reduction Working Group

The Harm Reduction Working Group is led by Yukon Chief Medical Officer of Health. Members include the Commanding Officer of Yukon RCMP, the Yukon Hospital Corporation, Blood Ties Four Directions, the Council of Yukon First Nations, the Yukon Medical Association and the Yukon Pharmacists' Association. This working group has developed the Opioid Action Plan to help tackle the growing number of drug-related overdoses and deaths in the territory. The Yukon RCMP regularly provide information to the Harm Reduction Working Group relating to investigative drug seizure results pertaining to Opioids. This contributes to the working group, providing knowledge and enabling them to be responsive to emerging trends in relation to Fentanyl within the Yukon Territory.

Priority 5: Increase the use of restorative justice practices in Yukon

The primary objectives for this priority include:

• Ensuring that we explore options for pre-charge diversion in all communities, and that the RCMP consider diversion whenever appropriate community supports are in place.
• Engaging with First Nations Community Justice workers proactively, in a manner that enables them to collaborate in community-led restorative justice initiatives.
• Working towards the Government of Yukon's commitment to increasing the use of restorative justice practices by five per cent.

The RCMP recognizes the importance of restorative justice programs in Yukon communities and the benefits of diverting appropriate criminal matters from the conventional court process. In order for a Restorative Justice Program to be successful in a community it must be community based.

Yukon RCMP, Department of Justice, Corrections Branch, and Public Prosecution Service of Canada have collectively signed a Memorandum of Understanding. Although dated, it identifies a commitment to work towards establishing a pre-charge diversion process for adults who commit federal offences where there is community engagement to establish a Restorative Justice Program. Although there has been an available Restorative Justice Program for youth through Youth Justice, Health and Social Services since 2002, there were limited similar Restorative Justice Programs for adults.

As a result, RCMP created policy that supports the partnership of the RCMP and the community, with the key concept that restorative justice should be community led.

The Yukon RCMP ensures:

• Appropriate adult matters are referred to Restorative Justice Program as a pre-charge referral when they meet the Restorative Justice Program Referral Criteria and where a program exists
• The detachment Restorative Justice Program partnership(s) with the Community Justice Worker and the community's adult Probation Officer are maintained through regular contact to facilitate the effectiveness of the program in the community
• Ensure the restorative justice referral follow up is appropriate, timely, and suitably documented
• There is consultation with the supervisor on matters where a referral is being considered but involves unique circumstances

Peacemaker Circle training

From September 3 until November 20, 2020, Corporal Tim Harper of Carcross Detachment was invited to participate in Carcross Tagish First Nation Peacemaking Circle Training Foundations. Corporal Harper is the first RCMP officer to attend this training and his participation was well received. "It was an honour to attend and it was a great experience that provided me with an opportunity to learn about the Carcross Tagish First Nation culture, practices, and traditional lands. It provided me with a new skill set and better understanding of the utilization of Peacemaking Circles as an adjunct to the judicial system to promote healing and relationship building. I participated in the program with some very passionate and excellent people from all different walks of life with very interesting stories. I feel that the RCMP being involved in this program is paramount to the continuous relationship building between the community and the RCMP." Corporal Tim Harper.

The course consisted of four weeks of training focusing on:

• Traditional values
• Inter-generational trauma
• In Dignity - Justice on the land and resistance to violence
• Circle foundations

Peacemaking circles are based on traditional values and bring together families and communities to deal with traumas and / or conflict. The circle provides the opportunity to acknowledge and respect each individual impacted and provide an opportunity to develop 'consensus based' outcomes. The circle is a process of balancing relationship-building and problem solving. It digs deep into the roots of the underlying issues and seeks to introduce changes, finding common ground or agreement and transform into healthier relationships and healing processes.

In Restorative Justice, a "Sentencing Circle Gathering" would be an appropriate means, with the offender and the victim and supporting parties present. Through stages of the circle, the keepers facilitate the circle process to address the surrounding issues, consensus for action plans, agreements / consensus, extra resources required, and follow up / next steps.

Establishment of Restorative Justice programs in Yukon

At this time only some Yukon communities have signed Letters of Agreement with the RCMP with established Restorative Justice Process. Other Yukon communities are working towards implementing these processes with their local RCMP detachment. Detachment commanders are actively meeting with community leaders to discuss the existence of the Memorandum of Understanding and offer support and encouragement for the development of an adult diversion programs in their communities. The Yukon RCMP continues to work with the Department of Justice Coordinators to identify capacity in each community to support the Restorative Justice referrals.

The Yukon RCMP is working diligently to re-invigorate/re-establish our Restorative Justice processes in the Territory to meet the policing priorities that Yukoners have set for the RCMP.

Restorative Justice Process can be an alternative means of dealing with an offender rather than proceeding through the traditional court process.

Restorative Justice may include a process that encourages victims, offenders, and the community to become involved in dealing with the impact of criminal and offending behaviour. This is accomplished by addressing the needs of victims and community, with emphasis on offender accountability and repairing the harm caused by their actions. Victims, offenders and community members are brought together in a controlled setting and given the opportunity to discuss what occurred, how they were impacted, and what is needed to repair the harm.

Restorative Justice is about transforming relationships, and moving forward in a positive way.

Restorative Justice can occur at any stage of an investigation: pre-charge, post-charge, and post-sentence. Pre-charge referrals are within the RCMP's purview.

By the end of December, a new (pilot) Restorative Justice Unit was established. This unit combines adult and youth resources from two departments, Department of Justice and Health and Social Services. This unit will be available to support the community justice workers and the RCMP, where needed, with community-led restorative justice initiatives. Our members have already demonstrated some early successes.

A former RCMP member, a current RCMP Reservist, will be assisting M Division on its restorative justice/diversion path. The former member is considered a subject matter expert in Restorative Justice further enhanced by her strong operational background in policing. She is also employed by Yukon Government as a Restorative Community Conference Coordinator and is part of the pilot Restorative Justice Unit. She has already begun reaching out to the District detachments and will assist our Division in moving forward in the understanding and use of restorative justice. This will relate, in part, to the increased use of pre-charge diversion, extrajudicial measures and sanctions for youth, and alternative measures/diversion for adults.

M Division monthly calls for service

M Division monthly calls for service - April to December 2019 and 2020 - Text version

M Division monthly calls for service - April to December 2019 and 2020

Month	2019	2020
April	1872	2021
May	2355	2164
June	2237	2251
July	2571	2380
August	2473	2329
September	2145	2036
October	1952	1970
November	1720	1748
December	1881	1716

Offence totals by violation group

Violation group totals - April to December 2019 and 2020 - Text version

Violation group totals - April to December 2019 and 2020

Offence category	2019	2020
Crimes against persons	2191	2132
Crimes against property	4330	4509
Other Criminal Code	3008	2733
Traffic violations	6264	5259

• Crimes against persons decrease 2.8% (−59)
• Crimes against property increase 4% (179)
• Other Criminal Code decrease 9% (−275)
• Traffic violations decrease 16% (−1,005)

Traffic safety

Traffic safety remains a high priority in all Yukon Communities. Yukon RCMP in all communities conduct School Zone and Proactive Traffic Patrols within their policing jurisdictions, as represented in the following chart.

Proactive traffic enforcement and school zone patrols - October to December 2020 - Text version

Proactive traffic enforcement and school zone patrols - October to December 2020

Community	Proactive traffic patrols/ Enforcement
Beaver Creek	1
Carcross	72
Carmacks	10
Dawson City	45
Faro	7
Haines Junction	48
Mayo	7
Old Crow	2
Pelly Crossing	572
Ross River	0
Teslin	0
Watson Lake	46
Whitehorse	80

M Division Traffic Services Unit has travelled to multiple Yukon communities this reporting period:

• On October 16, 2020 in Whitehorse, Yukon RCMP conducted a joint traffic initiative with the Government of Yukon Carrier and Compliance focusing on Driver Sobriety. The overall effort saw multiple infractions including sobriety, dangerous goods, licensing and others. This initiative was the first of its kind in Yukon and, with nearly 5% of the total offences were sobriety related, demonstrating the value of this initiative and another opportunity to help make roadways safer in the territory;
• Yukon Traffic Services travelled to Haines Junction, Teslin, and Tagish completing completed multiple road safety initiatives throughout their travels;
• On November 12, Yukon Traffic Services conducted Distracted Driving/Cell Phone enforcement in Whitehorse which saw $9,000.00 in tickets issued, with 53 charges, and two 24-hour suspensions issued;
• Operation Corridor, Yukon RCMP Traffic Services along with enforcement officers from Yukon Highways and Public Works -Carrier Compliance and National Safety Code, were in Watson Lake in November for a concerted four-day commercial vehicle enforcement blitz, with check stops set up at multiple locations each day. This enforcement is part of a continuing effort between the three organizations named Operation Corridor. Officers checked to make sure the drivers were sober, properly licensed and not prohibited from driving. They then inspected the vehicles to ensure cargo was properly secured, and that daily pre-trip inspections and log books were completed. Enforcement was done on the Alaska Highway; Highway 37 and the Robert Campbell. There were 72 vehicles contacts, 65 Mandatory Alcohol Screening, 44 charges, 32 warnings, and three 24-hour suspensions (alcohol and drug/stimulant);
• Yukon Traffic Services travelled to Faro on 2020-11-30. Of note, a commercial vehicle was stopped for excessive speeding in the Braeburn area, the driver was noted to be under the influence of Cannabis and was subsequently issued a 24-hour roadside suspension and placed out of service for log book violations; and,
• Additional Check stops were conducted at the Carcross Cutoff (South Klondike Highway) and North Klondike/Alaska Highway.

COVID-19

Since April 1, 2020 there have been 691 COVID-19 related occurrences responded to by Yukon RCMP. The overwhelming majority 432 (63%) have been compliance checks under the Quarantine Act. These are requested by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) for travellers entering Canada and indicating they will be staying in or transiting through the Yukon. There have been 17 Quarantine Act offences reported to police with one charge laid under the Quarantine Act for failing to isolate.

Two fines under CEMA have been issued by the RCMP. The Yukon RCMP Criminal Operations NCO is a member of the CEMA COVID-19 Working Group and is in constant contact with CEMA Enforcement. The RCMP continues to coordinate activities with the Yukon and Canadian governments.

COVID-19 compliance and enforcement - April to December 2020 - Text version

COVID-19 compliance and enforcement - April to December 2020

Month	COVID-19 compliance and enforcement totals
April	101
May	55
June	39
July	43
August	60
September	71
October	101
November	76
December	92

Federal Policing

The scope of the RCMP's federal policing mandate includes: combating terrorism, organized crime, and specific crimes related to the illicit drug trade; economic crimes such as counterfeiting and credit card fraud; and offences that threaten the integrity of Canada's national borders. The RCMP protects VIPs, including the Prime Minister and foreign dignitaries, and provides the law enforcement community with a full range of computer-based security services. The Yukon Federal Investigations Unit works to fulfill the RCMP's federal mandate in the Territory.

Project Muskrat

On November 4, 2020, RCMP officers, as well as Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) officials, executed multiple search warrants in downtown Whitehorse, Whistle Bend, Riverdale, and Cowley Creek in relation to an ongoing investigation regarding drug trafficking and tax offences.

Various Yukon RCMP units, including the Federal Investigations Unit, and investigators from the CRA Criminal Investigations Division, took part in the joint operation, searching for evidence relating to the commission of offences under the Criminal Code and the Income Tax Act.

Project Muskrat has been ongoing since December 2017. This investigation was initially focused on a number of persons who were believed to be trafficking drugs. Yukon RCMP's Federal Investigation Unit engaged the Canada Revenue Agency in August 2019 to investigate what were believed to be tax offences against one of the individuals already being investigated for drug offences.

Through investigation, Yukon RCMP identified numerous offences that violated the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and Criminal Code. Search warrants for businesses and residences connected to these crimes were obtained. A joint operation between the RCMP and CRA, supported by numerous units including the Crime Reduction Unit and the Critical Incident Program, saw them executed on November 4.

The successful searches of various locations in Whitehorse resulted in a number of arrests, charges being laid, and the seizure of drugs, large amounts of cash, prohibited weapons, stolen property and other evidence to support the charges laid.

"Investigation into these individuals and some associated businesses revealed that the serious crimes taking place were having a negative impact not only on Yukon's vulnerable population, but on the local economy," said Chief Superintendent Scott Sheppard, Commanding Officer of Yukon RCMP. "The RCMP believes these individuals and businesses were involved not only in trafficking drugs, but in money laundering. Our officers recovered items that had been stolen from a local business, as well as approximately $450,000 in cash."

Yukon RCMP have charged five people in connection with this investigation thus far. The investigation is ongoing and further updates may follow as evidence continues to be gathered.

Conclusion

This report has captured but a few of the programs and events the Yukon RCMP have engaged in during this reporting period. The Yukon RCMP will continue to work closely with its partners to identify efficiencies, adjust priorities where necessary, and deliver realistic results within its means.

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Date modified:

2021-04-14