Darrel Bruno: Box 490 Hobbema, Alberta TOC 1NO ... - Onehealth.ca

Darrel Bruno: Box 490
Hobbema, Alberta
TOC 1NO
Cell: 780-312-4863
Work: 780-585-3893
Email: Darrel.Bruno@RCMP-GRC.GC.CA
I was born in Ponoka, Alberta. Lived in several towns in Alberta as a child including Cold Dale,
Winterburn, Ponoka, Wetaskiwin, Enoch reserve and Samson Reserve. I attended school at St.
Joseph Composite high with my last year in grade twelve. I am a First Nation Samson Band
member.
I joined the RCMP as a special constable on December19th , 1983. I received training at Regina,
Sask and graduated on May 19, 1984. My first posting was Wetaskiwin Rural Detachment. I
transferred from Wetaskiwin to Stony Plain detachment on July 1 st , 1986. On June 21, 1990, I
returned to Regina, Sask. and converted to become a regular constable. I returned back to Stony
Plain Detachment and worked there until June 30 th , 1998. I transferred to Hobbema Detachment.
One year later I was promoted to Corporal on June 22, 1999 at Hobbema Detachment. June 23,
2000, I was promoted to Sergeant at Hobbema Detachment. On June 25, 2001, I was promoted to
Staff Sergeant at Hobbema Detachment. For the most part of my service, I worked general duty
on First Nation reserves with the exception of the last three years.
Currently I have been assigned to work on crime prevention and social issues. I sit on a number
of committees such as Community Advisory Committee as Pe’Sakastew correction, Citizens for
Healthy communities and NOW Shelter. I engage and educate the community on the crime
trends in the Region of Wetaskiwin that includes the City of Wetaskiwin, Hobbema Four Bands,
Millet and the County of Wetaskiwin. I look for solutions from the community to address crime
concerns. I have been also assigned to deal with the media..
I am married with seven children. Four girls and three boys. Ages from 26 to 10 years old. No
Grand children yet.

Biography of Cst. Perry CARDINAL
-Joined the RCMP in October of 1988
Served in the following locations
Faust, Alberta -1988-1996
Calgary, Alberta -1996-1998
Desmarais, Alberta -1998-2000
High Level, Alberta -2000-2005
Fort Vermilion, Alberta -2005-2006 - Secondment as The Chief of
Police for North Peace Tribal Police
-Transferred to Hobbema, Alberta - Community Response Unit - with a
mandate to confront issues such as Drugs and Gang Violence
- Has been actively involved in all communities as a school resource
officer. Taught the Dare program. DOMESTIC violence presentations
to Community Members. A primary Focus has been on Community
Initiatives especially with Youth. This has been always rewarding for
Cst.CARDINAL as he recognizes the importance of communication
with Youth
-Has spent hours in the Community involved in fund raising events.
-Participated in Curling events, coached hockey, softball.
- Very supportive of the focus of Police towards education and
intervention.
-Understands the need and importance for Police to work within the
Communities that we live and work in.
-As for leisure Cst. CARDINAL still enjoys playing hockey and softball.
- Family is also an important foundation for Cst. CARDINAL
- A rewarding career to this point and hopeful for a long career in his
chosen profession.
I was involved in Community Policing from day one and enjoy the
contacts and friends I have made in all my travels.

Crime Prevention through social development:
Crime Prevention through social development (CPSD) is an approach to preventing
crime and victimization that recognizes the complex social, economic, and cultural
processes that contribute to crime and victimization. CPSD seeks to strengthen the
“bridge” between criminal justice policies and programs and the safe, secure and
pro-social development of individuals, families, and communities. It does this by
tackling the factors which contribute to crime and victimization that are amenable
to change.
Definition by: National Crime Prevention Centre of Public Safety and Ermergency Preparedness Canada.
Risk factor definition:
These are negative influences in the lives of individuals, families or a community.
These may increase the presence of crime, victimization or fear in the community
and may increase the likelihood that individuals engage in crime or become victims.
Risk factors:

Poverty, poor housing, homelessness, lack of employment opportunities and
training, substance abuse, addictions, lack of parenting skills, uneducated,
illiteracy, poor academics, poor economy, parents involved in deviant or criminal
behaviour, parents spend little time interacting with or supervising their children,
lack of discipline, peer pressure, bullying, truancy, fetal alcohol syndrome,
unresolved grief, negative community environment, disadvantaged neighbourhoods,
negative attitudes, lack of core family values, child abuse or neglect, physical abuse,
sexual abuse, no support system or programs, mental health issues, lack of role
models, loss of ethics and morals, stress, racism, lack of deterrence in the Criminal
Justice System, gang activity and parental conflict.
Learnt behaviour: factors influencing child/youth development
Learnt behaviour plays a huge factor in youth and childhood development.
If parents or guardians are involved in deviant or criminal behaviour and break the
law by selling or doing drugs in front of the child, This child is at greater risk and
may become involved with drugs. If parents drink alcohol day in and day out and
are alcoholics, chances are this child may become involved with alcohol. If a child
observes parents physically fighting each other and continued parental conflict, the
child is at risk to continue this cycle of behaviour. If a child is not receiving any
guidance or supervision, this child is at risk to become involved with gang activity.
If a child fails to attend school and drops out. This child is at greater risk and may
become involved with criminal activity. A child is not born a criminal, a child
becomes a product of the environment he or she is raised in. Children become what
they see and live everyday. Many parents are not aware of the negative influences
they cause on their children. Children learn from life experiences and if those life
experiences include negative experiences such as condoning family violence,
substance abuse and breaking the law. Chances are these children will grow up to
learn and believe that this is the way things should be. If you think that children
are not watching and listening, THNIK AGAIN.
Intergenerational Trauma:
First coined and researched in 1980's by Dr. Maria Yellow Horse Brave Heart.
Generation after generation of historical trauma (Trauma Stacking). The collective

and cumulative emotional and psychological injury both over a life span across
generations, which emanates from massive group trauma resulting from cataclysmic
history of genocide.
Genocide:
The deliberate killing of a very large number of people from a particular ethnic
group or nation.
Psychologically traumatic incident:
Is any situation that has sufficient emotional power to cause someone to experience
a strong or overwhelming reaction which may inhibit a lifestyle. A deeply
distressing experience.
Post traumatic incident:
An emotional shock following a stressful event. Psychological effects after major
trauma shortly thereafter.
The Globe and Mail wrote an article on April 24, 2007.
“Natives died in droves as Ottawa ignored warning”
Tuberculosis took the lives of students at residential schools for at least 40 years.
Documents in the National Archives reveal as many as half of the aboriginal
children who attended the early years of residential schools died of tuberculosis,
despite repeated warnings to the federal governments. More than 100,000 native
children were forced from their homes and families to attend school. While these
children were forced to learn a new language and culture, as many as 50,000 died
while attending residential school.
The residential school and forced assimilation had a detrimental impact on First
Nations Communities across Canada. The conditions at the schools were
deplorable, with overcrowding, poor sanitation, and lack of medical care. Many of
the children were physically beaten for speaking their language and abused
sexually, physically and emotionally, particularly in the earlier years. These children
returned back to the reserves and suffered in silence for years with nowhere to turn

and no one to help. After living in these conditions generation after generation,
how do you become a normal parent? How do you properly function as an
individual, family or community?
This issue has never been properly addressed and has caused a ripple effect on core
family values. Family values have eroded as a result of the families torn apart. The
break up of families being uprooted has attributed to the social ills that plague
First Nation communities seen across Canada and is directly linked to the
residential school era. Today’s society is now dealing with the residual effects of the
past. First Nations communities across Canada are struggling with emotional and
psychological injuries over several generations of trauma. Trauma stacking has
caused psychological effects include high rates of unresolved grief, depression,
suicides, stress and a variety of mental health issues. Many have turn to alcohol,
drugs or prescribed drugs as a coping mechanism to handle the everyday stresses.
Substance abuse and addictions have been identified as a major contributing factor
as the root cause to crime and fetal alcohol syndrome. The social ills that plague
first nation communities are magnified that much more compared to the rest of the
country. Many first nation communities are dealing numerous social problems
including high rates of sexual abuse, violence, crime rate, child welfare case load,
family violence, illiteracy, poverty, poor housing, unemployment rate, negative
community environment, fetal alcohol syndrome, incarceration rate, lack of
parenting skills, poor economy, gang activity, child abuse, broken families, high
school dropout rate, high morality rate, poor health conditions and huge addictions
problems.
Rupert Ross ex Crown Prosecutor for Kenora, Ontario and currently a Judge stated
“While the role of the residential schools in precipitating individuals, families and
communities may be the subject of debate in some quarters, what cannot be debated
is the simple fact that the courts are dealing with alarming levels of domestic
violence, sexual abuse, deep addiction and, most alarming of all, an escalating
number of young people whose exposure to violence at home and in the community
has rendered them almost incapable of feeling either empathy for others or remorse
for their own actions. We are witnessing acts of extreme violence committed after
the most insignificant provocation. Unless all of the causative factors are identified
and deal with effectively, it is even less likely that future generations will be able

to escape this downward spiral”.
Parents must communicate and become involved with their children. Parents must
show the love, caring and sharing. Family time is important. Children require a
healthy stable environment at home.“This is how you break the cycle”.
Not all First Nation families were effected the same. Some families were resilient
and kept strong family and traditional values. These are the families that are
healthy and very seldom require police services. Some first nation members that
were raised and lived in an negative environment had positive adults that
influenced their lives. These got their education and have gone on to become
successful. In Alberta 29% of Aboriginals have some post-secondary certificate,
diplomas or university degrees. Currently there are almost 200,000 aboriginals
living in Alberta.
Protective Factor definition:
These are the positive influences that can improve the lives of individuals, families
and/or the safety of the community. These may decrease the likelihood that
individuals engage in crime or become victims. Building on existing protective
factors makes individuals and communities stronger and better able to counteract
the risk factors.
Protective factors:
Healthy family environment, strong family values, low unemployment rates in
Alberta, good parenting skills, programing for substance abuse, cadet corps, culture,
tradition and language, positive role models, mentors, parenting programs, Home
visitation programs, Drug and Alcohol support system, cross cultural education,
positive attitude, good morals, strong police presents, anti-gang education and
awareness, adult and youth literacy programs and education.
Solutions:
The focus is to help rebuild the family structure and core values individually, at risk
families and communities with positive programing that will enrich the lives of
those who live in crises. Focus on key elements such as community and youth
development. A strong component of education and training. ( Service Canada)
Treatment or rehabilitation facility in the region. ( Ponoka Centennial Centre)

Whitestone Suicide Prevention program, Hobbema Health Services, Professional
therapy, Counseling, Critical Incident debriefing, (Hobbema Family Wellness),
Hobbema Parents Place, Pe’Sakastew Correction Centre, Ermineskin Women’s
Shelter, Samson Youth Justice, Maskwacis Youth Justice Society, Victim Services
and Crime Prevention through Social Development.
“ A strong foundation is the most important part of a building. If the foundation is
weak, the building will crumble.” If the foundation is strong, it will last a very
long time.”The same principle applies with children. “ If a child is raised with a
solid foundation in a positive environment is strong, Chances are this child will
succeed in life”.
Quote from Albert Einstein “ Only a life lived for others, is a life worth while”.
Studies at Saint Mary’s University have proven if a child or youth raised in an
negative environment connects with positive role model or adult during their
developmental years, the positive influences will help shape this child for the
future. Children and youth at risk are resilient. Chances are the child or youth
becoming involved with criminal activity is reduced.
Darrel Bruno, Cpl
Community & Youth development coordinator
Wetaskiwin/Hobbema RCMP Detachments
References:
Dr. Marie Yellow Horse Brave Heart MSSW, LCSW, PH.D. “Unresolved Grief”
Stats Canada-2006

John Graham 1995 “Crime prevention strategies in Europe and North America”
Irvin Waller and Daniel Sansfacon 2000 “Investing Wisely in Crime Prevention”
Dr. Cynthia C. Wesley-Esquimaux, Ph.D. and Dr. Magdalena Smolewski, Ph.D.
2004 “ Historic Trauma and Aboriginal Healing”
Bill Curry and Karen Howlett April 24, 2007 Globe and Mail news article.
Wetaskiwin/Hobbema RCMP Stats
Justice Ruper Ross 2006 “ Traumatization in remote first nations: An express of
concern”
Saint Mary’s University “P.A.L.S.”
Newcastle University “Behavioural Theory”
John-Patrick Moore 2003 First Nations, Metis, Inuit and Non- Aboriginal Federal
Offenders: A Comparative profile
Darrel Bruno Cpl., Becky Wlyie-Jardine Cst. And Wynette Tailfeathers. Needs
assessment for Wetaskiwin/Hobbema Detachments. 2005

Presentation on
Aboriginal Youth Gangs
Taking Back Your Community
Presented by S/Sgt. Darrel Bruno
& Cst. Perry Cardinal
Wetaskiwin/Hobbema RCMP
October 16, 2008
What is a gang?
Bill C-24 Criminal Organization definition
Came into effect on February 1, 2002.
▪ A group, however organized, that is composed of three or
more persons and;
▪ that has as one of its main purposes or main activities the
facilitation or commission of one or more serious offences,
▪ that, if committed, would likely result in the direct or indirect
receipt of a material benefit, including a financial benefit, by
the group or by any one of the persons who constitute the
group
Risk Factors
Why join the gangs
▪ Youth want to belong to something (Stand-in family) loss of
culture, identity, and language
▪ No supervision, no guidance and no direction from parents
▪ Abuse, neglect, substance abuse and negative home
environment
▪ Low self-esteem, poor academics and peer pressure
▪ No role models: other relatives have joined gangs
▪ Financial gain: lives in poverty, lack of employment
▪ Protection (to feel safe) recognition (feel important)
▪ Influenced by negative community environment they live in
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Per Capita Concentration
2007 Astwood estimates
City Per 1000 population
▪ Hobbema 18.75
▪ Edmonton 6.00
▪ Winnipeg 5.00
▪ Saskatoon 2.57
▪ Vancouver 1.50
▪ Regina 1.42
▪ Toronto 1.15
▪ Brampton 1.00
Population for Hobbema: 12,000; 53% is 18 and under
Dangers of Gang lifestyle
Gang threat to Community
▪ Gang members are beat in to join and beat out to leave the
gang. Some receive serious injuries and others are beaten to
death. New members receive minutes.
▪ Female members are passed around for sexual purposes like
a piece of property. Others are forced into prostitution.
▪ Fearful lifestyle: constantly living in fear due to the significant
increase of violence over the turf war for domination of the
drug trade in the community. Gangs members are not loyal
and will attack their own crew members. It is difficult for gang
members to leave gangs. …Cont’d
Dangers of Gang lifestyle
Gang threat to Community…Cont’d
▪ Criminal activity includes drive-by shootings, home invasion,
weapon offences, assaults, sexual assaults, drug offences
and homicides
▪ Innocent victims injured from drive-by shootings or jumped by
gangs for being at the wrong place at the wrong time.
Jumped is another meaning for being assaulted. Swarmed
means to be attacked and beaten by several individuals
▪ Drug runners as young as 10 years old delivering crack
cocaine for gangs
▪ Gangs forcefully setting up crack houses in the community
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Signs of Gangs in community
Things to observe
▪ Graffiti in the community: Identifies territory/turf area. To
threaten and boast turf area
▪ Tagging the graffiti: turf artistic graffiti usually features
symbols and pictures
▪ Wearing colours: bandanna (Rags) use to identify gangs.
Other things used to identify gangs include clothing, hair
style, tattoos, ball caps
▪ Hands signs: used to identify their own gang, can challenge
other gangs to a fight, forms symbols, numbers and letters
▪ Mad-dogging: non verbal sign to stare down someone by
glaring or hard looks
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Street Sales of Illicit Drugs
Type of Drug %
▪ Marijuana 35.5
▪ Crack Cocaine 16.6
▪ Power Cocaine 10.1
▪ Ecstasy 6.6
▪ Methamphetamine 5.5
▪ Heroin 4.9
▪ MDA 4.6
▪ Other Drugs 16.2
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Myth and Facts
Reality check
▪ Myth: Most gang-related crimes involve gangs against rival
gangs
▪ Fact: Crimes for money are mostly committed against
innocent victims. Violent crimes are mostly against rival gang
▪ Myth: All gangs have a single leader and a tight knit structure
▪ Fact: Most gangs are loosely knit groups and likely have
several leaders. If one leader is removed, other members
may be waiting to take over
▪ Myth: All street gangs are turf-oriented
▪ Fact: Some gangs may not claim any specific turf, while
others operate in many locations.
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Myth and Facts
Reality check
▪ Myth: Gangs are just a problem for Police officers
(law enforcement)
▪ Fact: Gangs are a problem for the whole
community
▪ Myth: Gang members live a glamorous lifestyle and
get rich selling drugs
▪ Fact: Gang members live in constant fear. Many
Gang members end up in jail or dead. It’s a harsh
life to live by in reality. A dead end road.
Hobbema, Alberta
▪ Thirteen gangs in the community
▪ Just over 250 gang members & associates
▪ In 2005 the Police responded to 4 or 5
drive-by shootings nightly. In 2006
Hobbema signed a C.T.A. adding 10
resources “Gang Unit.”
▪ 2006 there were 300 firearms related
complaints. To 2007 there were 236
firearms complaints
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What can we do about it
▪ Accept responsibility – Become involved – Mobilization of
community. This is not a police problem but a society
problem. The community must be engaged.
▪ Be a positive role model or mentor
▪ Do not tolerate gang activity – take back the streets
▪ Remove graffiti ASAP “Clean up Crew”
▪ Volunteer your time (What have you giving back to your
community)
▪ Speak up “Cooperate with the Police”
▪ Take count of what resources are available in the
community. Who can help.
Programs in Hobbema
▪ Hobbema Cadet CORPS
▪ Report a drug House Program
▪ Gun Amnesty Program for four months
▪ Samson and Ermineskin Task force
▪ Suppressing the gang activity through enforcement
▪ Curfew at 10:00 P.M. for children 17 years and under
▪ Wind spirit Program for youth
▪ Cultural Camps
▪ Crime Stoppers Program
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Thank you for your participation
For information about Telemental Health
education sessions:
▪ (403) 783-7736
▪ www.amhb.ab.ca
▸ Initiatives
▸ Telemental Health
▸ Telelearning
▸ Current Telelearning Sessions
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