By CHAT News Today

MHPS introduces plan to improve workplace inclusion

Oct 5, 2017 | 8:00 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — The Medicine Hat Police Service has publicly announced a plan to improve diversity and inclusion in its workplace.

Late Thursday afternoon, police releasing details of its diversity, engagement and inclusion plan, part of its strategic approach it identified last fall.

“The MHPS diversity, engagement and inclusion plan is intended to be a living document” says Police Chief Andy McGrogan in a statement. “As a Service we are committed to ensuring a healthy work environment and that our organization is reflective of the community we serve.”

“As a Commission, we commend the proactive efforts of the MHPS Executive Team to address these important issues” says Greg Keen, chair of the Medicine Hat Police Commission in a statement. “We support the activities that have been completed and those that are planned in an effort to promote environment of mutual respect, acceptance and engagement.”

The outline of the plan began in March, with the police service enlisting the city’s human resources department to survey all female police and peace officers about any barriers they feel exist in the service. The release says once the results were found, they decided to expand the survey to all members, which was completed in May.

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The survey, which had a 69 per cent response rate, indicated 79 per cent of those surveyed were satisfied with their job, but noticed areas to improve, including communication, performance evaluations and relationship building.

The news release did not provide any details about what issues were revealed in the surveys.

Police say they have reviewed their existing policies related to recruiting and career development to ensure they’re barrier free for all employees. Additionally the City of Medicine Hat human resource department was invited to participate in the recruitment and selection of all staff positions beginning with the 2018 Police Cadet Class.

Police says they’ve also participated in an implicit bias workshop, and will be participating in professional development days on the subject of human rights legislation in November.

The plan can be read here.