Chief Superintendent Amanda Jones says officer burnout in small detachments with significant social problems may be contributing to officer conduct that has sparked outrage in Nunavut.
Jones says the officers work in communities with some of Canada's highest rates of violent crime, suicide, and substance abuse.
She says in most detachments, officers are either on call or on duty 24-7, and that while members are always accountable, she also has to ask if there's more she could be doing to look after their mental health.
Jones made the comments over concerns about how the force treats Inuit in Nunavut - the most recent example of which was the arrest of an intoxicated Inuit man being knocked over by the door of slow moving police vehicle.
Jones says the force will be bringing in a new cultural awareness course and trying to start a program for community people to work alongside officers.

2025 Territorial Election Interview Series: Yukon Liberal Party candidate for Southern Lakes Cynthia James
2025 Territorial Election Interview Series: Yukon Liberal Party candidate for Mayo-Tatchun Jeremy Harper
2025 Territorial Election Interview Series: Yukon NDP candidate for Mountainview Linda Moen
The 2025 Territorial General Election at a glance
2025 Territorial Election Interview Series: Yukon Party candidate for Riverdale North Rose Sellars and Yukon Party campaign chair Geraldine Van Bibber
2025 Territorial Election Interview Series: Yukon NDP candidate for Watson Lake-Faro-Ross River Josie O'Brien
2025 Territorial Election Interview Series: Yukon NDP candidate for Whistle Bend South Dustin McKenzie-Hubbard
2025 Territorial Election Interview Series: Yukon Party candidate for Mayo-Tatchun Cory Bellmore
Three arrested in connection with Watson Lake firearm incident
Fatal fire at remote Yukon mine camp claims two lives
Yukoners unite to honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
2025 Territorial Election Interview Series: Yukon Premier and Yukon Liberal Party Leader Mike Pemberton
2025 Territorial Election Interview Series: Yukon Party Leader Currie Dixon
2025 Territorial Election Interview Series: Yukon NDP Leader Kate White
CYFN commemorates National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Council of Yukon First Nations dedicates family preservation wellness centre
Whitehorse man sentenced to 2 months of house arrest for house explosion
Whitehorse students participate in fall cultural harvest celebration
Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport celebrates completion of the main runway