Treaty 3 launches own police force

Page 1

Ontario's newest law enforcement agency is now in operation.

The Treaty Three Police Service was officially launched Aug. 5 at the Kenora harbourfront in Northwestern Ontario.

The new service, which has actually been operating since April 1 this year, is responsible for 23 First Nation communities within Treaty 3 territory. That encompasses 55, 000 square miles, which is home to about 18, 000 people.

Until now, policing of these First Nations was the responsibility of the Ontario Provincial Police.

"Changing of the badge" was envisioned to address a need of the First Nations people.

According to Treaty Three Police Chief Brian Rupert, the establishment of the police service is an historic event that will provide long-term positive effects for all Anishinaabe people in the territory. He adds it's a service that is long overdue.

"It's time, it's evolution. Anishinaabe police should be policing Anishinaabe people," he stated.

Plans for the establishment of the police service began back in 1999. Numerous community consultations were held as well as negotiations with the provincial and federal governments to establish the stand-alone regional police service.

According to Rupert, what makes the new police service unique, is its commitment to the people.

"Our officers are respectful to the culture, traditions and needs of the people. For example, officers are encouraged to stop and have tea with an Elder," he said.

When it comers to showing respect, the first and foremost concentration is with the youth. Officers are also encouraged to take part in activities or initiatives where young people are involved, such as playing baseball or any other youth event.

Rupert highlighted the importance of police officers forming a trusting relationship with the youth of the communities.

He said, "They are our future, our future leaders. We have to be vigilant about that."

He added that the relationship between police and youth is not what it should be.

"We want them (youth) to run to our cars for help, not run away from them ... but right now, that is what's happening."

Rupert's vision for the Treaty Three Police Service is to be seen as more than just law enforcement. He hopes the service will be seen as more personal than that.

"We have to take care of each other," he said.

To do that, Rupert said the police service is planning to expand and enhance services in time.

As it stands right now, the Treaty Three Police Service consists of 55 officers, including the police chief himself and two deputy police chiefs.

Rupert says when the time comes for contract negotiations, a major issue on the table will be the addition of more police officers, with the goal to bring the total to about 70.