An aspect of our local RCMP detachment is the need to learn and improve, sometimes from mistakes. We have service standards and, at times, they are not always met, but we do work to improve.
Read more: Word on the beat: CDSA
An example was our handling of a victim of a crime regarding a court appearance, which caused some problems for them. They called us to express the issues they experienced and how it affected them. They were insistent but respectful in wanting to make sure the same issue isn’t experienced by another victim in the future.
As with any process of conflict resolution, dealing with it at the lowest level is most often the best way to have it resolved. We can’t respond defensively, as we need to understand whether or not we met our standards of service delivery.
This victim didn’t go on social media but rather came directly to those who could address the problem. Once it was looked into, we noted a flaw in an internal process. The issue experienced by the victim was ours to own.
Many people do not have an understanding of policing, and that is OK. The intent of these articles is to inform readers and provide a bit of an inside look to build understanding. For most people, police aren’t part of their lives, with the rare exception of maybe a traffic ticket or a knock on the door, as we may be making neighbourhood inquiries.
Another way we make ourselves better is when we provide evidence in court. This is where investigations are scrutinized, with areas dissected under a microscope. When any deficiencies are identified — whether detrimental to the charges or not — we note them to ensure those areas are addressed in new investigations.
From time to time, defence lawyers or Crown prosecutors will bring up possible issues regarding charges that were laid. Investigators again note these and apply remediation to subsequent investigations, with the intent they are not repeated issues that may affect outcomes.
All RCMP officers start as cadets and, aside from establishing their policing foundation at Depot (our training facility in Regina), they learn, develop and improve throughout their entire careers. I am still learning. Experience is the best teacher, and this is very true in law enforcement. As the Lloydminster detachment receives many new officers, we see their steep learning curves, which include mistakes.
New RCMP officers are under a trainer’s supervision for the first six months of their career, which includes guiding them as there is very much to learn to get comfortable with policing.
The last new officer I trained, many years ago, ended up with me taking down a vehicle containing six Manitoba Warriors gang members, all of whom had weapons. We hope new officers progress into situations like this, but in reality, they can face a life-and-death situation on their first working day.
Checks and balances are in place, but patience from our clients is appreciated as we all improve at our duties.
Staff Sgt. Jerry Nutbown is the NCO in charge of the Lloydminster RCMP detachment’s General Investigation Section. Stay tuned for future columns from the Lloydminster RCMP.
This column was originally published in the March. 19, 2026, edition of the Meridian Source.
Read more: Word on the beat: Weapons
