Sarnia's police chief says he was shocked to learn that a training session for city councilors in the fall turned ugly.
The KOJO Institute withdrew its proposals to deliver equity consultations and training to the city and Sarnia Police Services Board in December, after completing the initial virtual session with city council, which it said was met with hostility and belligerence by some members.
Norm Hansen said he heard about the controversial session months after the fact, just like everyone else.
"I know Kike Ojo-Thompson very well, I've spoken with her over the years, I saw her present in the past and I thought she was a great presenter and thought she really put the message out properly and she's a really nice person," said Hansen. "So, I was a little surprised and a little embarrassed although I obviously don't know the details of what went on."
Hansen said the incident should be a learning moment for council.
"As a member of senior management in the city I would like to see something done so that this doesn't happen again," he said. "I think it should be discussed so that we can move on and open ourselves up to further training."
Hansen said diversity and equity training is crucial for officers to be able to do their jobs.
"We have to be able to understand various cultures and diverse groups in society and be able to gain trust, and to gain trust you have to understand the issues."
Meanwhile, city council agreed at its meeting Monday to have city staff work the outside legal counsel to report out--to the legal extent possible--the materials associated with the session, and two closed meetings that followed.
The Sarnia Police Services Board is the civilian body governing the Sarnia Police Service and is responsible for adequate and effective police services, law enforcement and crime prevention through the enactment of policies.
