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Smithers
2025-05-26 09:12 PDT
Cst. Jocelyn Foidart of the Smithers RCMP Detachment has successfully completed the Indigenous Focusing-Oriented Therapy (IFOT) program—a trauma-informed healing approach rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems and practices. This achievement reflects her commitment to cultural safety, and leading community safety work in Smithers.
At the Smithers Detachment, Cst. Jocelyn Foidart wears many hats. She serves as the detachment’s Media Relations Officer, ensuring transparent, trauma-informed public communication that highlights not only enforcement, but also the RCMP’s work in prevention and partnerships. She also coordinates the Smithers Situation Table, a proactive intervention model that brings together local agencies to support individuals before their situation escalates into crisis.
People often think policing is only about responding to crime, but so much of what we do is about navigating social issues—working with people who are struggling, not offending, said Cst. Foidart. Whether it’s mental health, homelessness, or family breakdown, these are not criminal issues, but they end up on our radar because there’s no one else to call.
People often think policing is only about responding to crime, but so much of what we do is about navigating social issues—working with people who are struggling, not offending,
Whether it’s mental health, homelessness, or family breakdown, these are not criminal issues, but they end up on our radar because there’s no one else to call.
Across jurisdictions, it has been well-documented that 60–80% of police calls for service involve non-criminal matters. This reinforces the need for upstream, collaborative approaches like the Situation Table that address risk before it escalates and connect people to the right supports. Prevention doesn’t always make headlines, but it changes lives.
Jocelyn also works directly with individuals navigating treatment applications, housing barriers, and health system access. Her outreach work often prevents crises before they occur—diverting people from the justice system by connecting them to care. She also supports discharge planning for individuals released from police custody—particularly those with complex health, housing, or addiction needs. Discharge planning is one of the most overlooked opportunities for crime prevention, she said. If we can meet someone with a plan, a contact, or a support system—even at the point of release—we reduce the chance they’ll come back into custody. But for these efforts to be successful, she emphasizes, communities must have the resources in place to provide ongoing support.
Discharge planning is one of the most overlooked opportunities for crime prevention,
Cst. Jocelyn Foidart has been instrumental in strengthening our detachment’s capacity for meaningful collaboration with community service providers, said Sgt. Ryan Law. Her unwavering drive and proactive approach to engaging both clients and partner organizations have made a significant impact on community wellbeing—an impact that directly supports our crime prevention efforts. Her contributions exemplify the power of partnership in building safer, healthier communities added Sgt. Law, Acting Smithers Detachment Commander.
Cst. Jocelyn Foidart has been instrumental in strengthening our detachment’s capacity for meaningful collaboration with community service providers,
Her unwavering drive and proactive approach to engaging both clients and partner organizations have made a significant impact on community wellbeing—an impact that directly supports our crime prevention efforts. Her contributions exemplify the power of partnership in building safer, healthier communities
The best part of my job is when someone reaches out to say they’re six months sober after we worked together to get them into treatment, she said. That’s crime reduction—giving people access to the health resources they need to build stability and wellness, added Cst. Jocelyn Foidart.
The best part of my job is when someone reaches out to say they’re six months sober after we worked together to get them into treatment,
That’s crime reduction—giving people access to the health resources they need to build stability and wellness,
Cst. Jocelyn Foidart also serves as the elected Northwest Women’s Representative on the Métis Nation of BC Women’s Council, where she brings an Indigenous perspective to provincial policy discussions. She has led numerous initiatives in reconciliation, neurodiversity, gender-based violence prevention, and decriminalization. Her work has earned national recognition, including the King’s Coronation Medal for leadership in crime prevention and inclusive community safety.
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Email: madonna.saunderson@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
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