After many years of working together, the Walpole Island Police Service is parting ways with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) to create its own independent force.
The Walpole Island Council announced that the First Nation is moving forward to shift its policing model from the Ontario First Nations Policing Agreement, which is currently managed by the OPP, to a self-governed police service.
Walpole Island Chief and Council mentioned that community surveys have “consistently expressed” support for this plan, adding that the existing police model will remain in place until the new independent police detachment is ready to operate.
“We are thrilled to be involved in the transition process as the Walpole Island First Nation Police Service works toward becoming the 11th self-administered First Nation police service in Ontario,” posted Walpole Island Chief and Council on their social media. “Discussions regarding this transition have spanned more than two decades.”
Walpole Island noted that significant work has been done so far.
“These early stages have required careful planning, collaborative partnerships, and developing a comprehensive roadmap to ensure we establish a police service that enhances public safety, strengthens accountability, and addresses our community’s specific needs. We understand how important it is to have sufficient resources dedicated to achieving success and maintaining a safe community,” said Walpole Island Council.
The Council reported that a policing capacity needs assessment has been ongoing since 2018. This includes researching various First Nations policing programs and models, engaging with the Walpole Island community through a survey about policing models, and providing an analysis of those models to Council.
The report was in 2019, showing support for a self-administered stand-alone police detachment as the preferred policing approach for Walpole Island, according to Council.
It also highlighted that members of the Walpole Island community favored an independent police detachment in both a 2008 survey and again in 2023.
The OPP is being requested to offer operational resources and guidance during this transition period.
“This collaboration aims to assist with the transition while ensuring we stay committed to serving our community,” stated Council.
Two OPP Staff Sergeants are currently lending operational support and administrative oversight to help modernize policing on Walpole Island by updating organizational structures, policies, procedures, and offering essential leadership support during this changeover.
“The efforts of these two OPP Staff Sergeants have highlighted pressing challenges due to criminal and drug-related activities within our community. It reinforces why transitioning to a policing model better suited for our needs is necessary,” noted Council.
The Walpole Island Police Service expressed its commitment towards building a “strong, independent” force that aligns with the values and needs of its community.
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