The Walpole Island Police Service says work is underway to transition from its current policing model under the Ontario First Nations Policing Agreement to a fully self-administered, stand-alone police service.
In a statement posted to social media Tuesday, Jan. 27, the service said it is working through required background processes as it moves toward becoming the 11th self-administered First Nation police service in Ontario. The current policing model will remain in place until the new stand-alone detachment is fully operational.
“The Walpole Island Police Service is pleased to share that we are working through the background processes required to transition our policing model from the Ontario First Nations Policing Agreement, currently administered by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), to our own self-administered (stand-alone) police service. 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. Discussions regarding this transition have spanned more than two decades. The community surveys have consistently expressed support for this vision. The current police model will continue to operate until the new stand-alone police detachment is fully operational.”
The statement said the early stages of the transition have involved extensive planning, collaboration and the development of a detailed roadmap focused on public safety, accountability and addressing community-specific needs.
“The work to date has been extensive. These early stages have required careful planning, collaborative partnerships, and the development of a comprehensive roadmap to ensure the establishment of a police service that enhances public safety, strengthens accountability, and addresses the specific needs of our community. We recognize the importance of having adequate and dedicated resources to achieve success and a safe community.”
The service noted that community engagement on the issue dates back more than a decade. A policing capacity needs assessment conducted by MNP LLP was commissioned by Walpole Island Council in 2018, with results released in 2019 supporting a stand-alone police detachment. Similar community engagement in 2008 and again in 2023 reached the same conclusion.
“In 2018, the Walpole Island Council engaged MNP LLP, a consulting firm, to conduct a policing capacity needs assessment. MNP researched First Nations policing programs and model options, engaged our community through a police model survey, and provided an analysis of First Nations policing models to Council. The report was released in 2019, and the results were in favour of a self-administered (stand-alone) police detachment as the preferred policing model for our community. This marked the second time the community was asked for its opinion on this matter. The first engagement occurred in 2008, with results also favouring a stand-alone police detachment. A third community engagement took place in 2023, with the same outcome.”
As part of the transition, the Walpole Island First Nation Council and the local police detachment have requested operational resources and guidance from the OPP. Two OPP staff sergeants are currently providing operational support and administrative oversight during the transition period.
“To facilitate this transition, the Walpole Island First Nation Council and the Walpole Island Police Service Detachment have requested that the OPP provide operational resources and guidance during this phase. This collaboration is intended to support the transition while maintaining a strong commitment to serving our community. Two OPP Staff Sergeants are currently providing operational support and administrative oversight to our existing policing model to assist with the transition to a stand-alone police detachment and to modernize our current policing model. Their primary focus includes updating organizational structure, updating policies and procedures, and providing critical leadership support.”
The statement added that this work has underscored ongoing challenges related to criminal and drug-related activity and reinforced the need for a policing model tailored to community needs.
“The efforts of these two OPP Staff Sergeants have highlighted the pressing challenges posed by criminal and drug-related activity within our community, and reinforces the importance of transitioning to a policing model that better serves community needs.”
The Walpole Island Police Service said it remains committed to a community-led approach as the transition continues.
“The Walpole Island Police Service remains committed to operating as a community-led police service. Together, we are laying the groundwork for a strong, independent police service that reflects the needs, values, and principles of our community. We thank you for your continued support as we embark on this historic journey. Thank you for your trust, engagement, and dedication to community safety.”
