by Cheryl Leschasin
Northern News Services

NNSL (Sep 12/97) - A local advocacy group is taking big steps toward solving problems rather than simply defining them.

LEAP (Law Enforcement Advocacy Program), met with various law enforcement representatives and other community organizations for a community policing forum Wednesday, to discuss solutions for problems facing the residents of Yellowknife.

"It's good for the public, it's good for the police," said Terry Elliott, the new commanding officer for the Western Arctic of the community policing forums. "Working apart solves nothing."

LEAP is the agency that will serve as a liaison between the public and law enforcement agencies such as the RCMP, The GNWT and federal departments of justice, and Yellowknife municipal law enforcement.

"I don't think I viewed them (the police) as people first," said Pam Meuwissen, who had a conflict with police two years ago. Through her own conflict, Meuwissen founded the program that often helps diffuse misunderstandings before formal complaints are made.

Part of LEAP's focus is to foster co-operative relationships between the community and law enforcement agencies. They also assist people who are having communication difficulties with police.

Topics in this month's meeting include violence, both by youth and adults and the process that complaints go through before public-police conflicts can be resolved.

Subjects discussed in the community policing forums change monthly, depending upon the pressing community issues.

RCMP Staff Sgt. Dave Grundy said LEAP is a valuable liaison group, as they help put issues into perspective. "Lots of times the public perceive a problem in one way and the police perceive the problem in another way," said Grundy, adding he is pleased to be able to work with a group such as LEAP.