After many years of collaboration, the Walpole Island Police Service is parting ways with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) to operate independently.
The Walpole Island Council shared that the First Nation is making efforts to shift its policing model from the Ontario First Nations Policing Agreement, which is currently managed by the OPP, to its own self-managed police service.
Walpole Island Chief and Council mentioned that community surveys have “consistently expressed” support for this initiative, adding that the existing police model will remain in place until the new independent police station is fully set up.
“We are excited to be involved in this transition as the Walpole Island First Nation Police Service aims to become the 11th self-administered First Nation police service in Ontario,” posted Walpole Island Chief and Council on their social media. “Conversations about this transition have taken more than twenty years.”
Walpole Island acknowledged that significant work has been done so far.
“These initial phases have needed careful planning, cooperative partnerships, and creating a detailed plan to ensure a police service that improves public safety, boosts accountability, and meets our community’s unique needs. We understand how vital it is to have sufficient resources dedicated to ensuring success and safety in our community,” said Walpole Island Council.
The Council noted that a policing capacity assessment has been ongoing since 2018. This includes researching various First Nations policing programs and models, engaging the Walpole Island community through a survey on police models, and analyzing these models for Council’s review.
The report released in 2019 showed strong support for a self-administered, independent police detachment as the preferred option for policing on Walpole Island.
It was also highlighted that the community supported an independent police detachment in both a 2008 survey and again in 2023.
The OPP has been requested to provide operational resources and guidance throughout this transition process.
“This partnership aims to assist with the transition while ensuring we maintain our commitment to serving our community,” stated Council.
Currently, two OPP Staff Sergeants are offering operational support and administrative oversight for Walpole Island’s police as they help modernize current practices. This includes updating organizational structures, policies, procedures, and providing essential leadership support.
“The contributions of these two OPP Staff Sergeants have revealed serious challenges caused by crime and drug-related issues within our community. It emphasizes how crucial it is to move toward a policing model that better serves our needs,” noted Council.
The Walpole Island Police Service stated it’s establishing a “strong, independent” police force that aligns with the values and requirements of their community.
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