Kalmloops Racist Incident Prl:>tocol Document
c.
Response
Protocol
Project 2003
.
~llsslon Statement
1. 'Ne believe that racial discrimination our community.
in any form is harmful
to
2. 'Ne believe that we should develop, maintain and use practical t:ools to effectively respond to racist incidents in our community. 3. Vile pledge to continually work to make Kamloops a better place f:or all residents by tirelessly promoting and embracing diversity.
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Kclmloops
Racist Incident
Response
Protocol
Project
2003
Protoco Document
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In October 2002, Kamloops was recognized by the provincial government as one of BC's leading communities in promoting and respecting different cultures. Our community was chosen by the province as one of five to pilot a promising new project whose goal is to develop innovative ways to respond to racist incidents. Thlis project gives Kamloops an opportunity to do even better and more. areas to improve. Racism still exists in Kamloops.
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A broad-based set of practical anld systemic.
We have
steering committee with support from a researcher has developed a protocols for dealing with racism in all its forms, even the most subtle
We are hopeful that agencies and organizations across our community will endorse this set of protocols at their highest levels and participate in them to the fullest extent possible.
1. Racist Incident
Multi-Agency Reporting Protocol
A~)propriate sharing information about racist incidents that occur in the community order to better understand and track these incidents.
in
2. Response Guidelines Protocol T21king i~dvantage of step-by-step us,ed wrthin any organization.
guidelines
to deal with racist incidents
that can be
3. Majc,r Incident Protocol Participo3ting in the work of the Anti Racism Committee of Kamloops when dealing with major racist incidents will provide for a collaborative, community response.
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Kclmloops Racist Incident Protocol Document
Response
Protocol
Project
2003
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\\'hati~ Particip.3ting agencies and organizations will send reports of racist incidents to a central location, which would then become a single repository of information.
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~'hy? In order to know how better to monitor and respond to racist incidents, the colmmunity needs to know what kind of incidents are occurring in Kamloops. Anecdo1:al information suggests that local racism is largely covert, subtle and s-y'stemic, but actual baseline data would give us a firmer knowledge base. A racist in,cident: reporting database would also provide for 'early warning' of new developments that might be of concern; for example, the first signs of a local organizled hate group.
Privac:y and Consent Great C.3re needs to be taken while collecting information for the database. Victims of racism ,:an be understandably reluctant to share information for a variety of reasons. They may be fearful that they will be victimized further; they may not think their pclrticular incident is a big issue; they may not want to get anyone 'in trouble'.
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The corlsent of the person reporting the racist incident must be obtained before forwarding any information to the database. If the reporter of the incident is a b)Istancier I great care needs to be taken not to impinge upon the privacy of the vi,ctim or the alleged offender. Anonymity of victim and alleged offender must be pr"eserved in every instance.
Safe I~eporting People often feel more comfortable reporting racist sclme clJltural/ethnic ancestry as themselves. Thus, interest:ed people with diverse cultural backgrounds re:ports of racist incidents and to support victims. It many incidents of racism are not reported.
incidents to individuals with the it would be beneficial to train who could be available to receive is important to keep in mind that
Irl addi1:ion, a confidential telephone support line could be maintained
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Kamloops Racist Incident Protocol Documelnt
Wlr,at J:nformation
Response
Protocol Project
2003
is Required?
With the caveat that no information in the database, in any circumstance, can identify the victinl or alleged offender, the minimum information required is as follows: Description of incident Date and Itime of incident Sl~verity of incident. E1:hnicity, sex, age of alleged offender E1:hnicity, sex, age of victim; Is; the per:son a repeat victim? Was the previous incident reported? Is; the incident part of series? A,:::tionrequested by the victim R,eferral made to community support agencies R'esotutiorl of the incident
Databclse Colordinators One coordinator might be based at the Indian Friendship Centre, another at the offices 01:Kamloops Immigrant Services.
Databclse
Se4:urity
Locked file drawer with them.
paper files;
files only removed
when actively
working
on
As an alterncltive, an encrypted computer database / spreadsheet could be set up on a computer not attached to the Internet. Minimal
number
of people has access to print or electronic
files,
How Reports: Get into Database Orgclnizations use the same incident report form and receive training on how to take reports. Sencj reports; by mail to the coordinating agencies within two days of incident; if urgE~nt, report by phone.
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Kamloops
Racist Incident
Response
Protocol
Project
2003
Protocol Document I'
Repeat incidents involving the same individuals and/ or physical threats or violence. 0 0 0 0 0
or organizations
Call a meeting of ARCK to discuss situation. Have discussions with the victim(s). Suggest diversity training for individuals or the organization Meet with leaders or senior staff of the organization. Provide support for victim(s).
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Kclmloops Racist Incident Protocol Document
Response
Protocol
Project
2003
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Kclmloops Racist Incident Protocol Document
Response
Protocol
Project 2003
I I The following
definitions
have guided
development
of the protocols.
Major Incident A major incident is an incident of racism that has the potential to disrupl: racial harmony and lead to further conflict if not dealt with in a timely and respectful manner.
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R,aciall Discrimination Ri3cial discrimination is "any distinction, exclusion, restriction or prefer4~nce based on race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the rE~cogrlition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of human ri~~hts and fundamental freedoms in the political, social, cultural or any ot:her 1=ield of public life. (Article 1: International Convention on the EJ'imination of All Forms of Racism) -accE'pted by the BC and Canadian government in 1969
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K21mloops Racist Incident PrlDtocol Document
Response
Protocol
Project 2003
Dc3te of Report / Name of Person Taking
Report (Optional)
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D4~scription of Incident:
location,
time, details
Et:hnicity of Victim
I G,ender, Ethnicity
and Approximate
Age of Alleged Offender
A~:tion Taken / Follow Up
I Other Comments
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