By Nigel Maxwell

First Nation looks to make standalone service

Jan 7, 2011 | 10:41 AM

A Northern Saskatchewan First Nation wants its own police service.

The band council on the Pelican Narrows First Nation said they are tired of the violence in their community and they feel a local peace keeping force would do a more effective job than the RCMP.

Proposals have been submitted to the government.

The idea is not a new one. The File Hills Tribal Police Service in the south of the province was the first of its kind in Saskatchewan. Since 2000, this police service has seen some success in lowering crime on the local reserves.

“It's a great idea and it's working well, but there's gonna be challenges,” said Ralph Martin, police chief for File Hills.

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“We've had challenges retaining officers because of a number of factors: our work load is high, we are in competition with the RCMP and the major municipal services, the work environment here is tough; and we are on-call a good portion of the time.”

The key to their success has been community involvement, Martin said.

“We are expanding that service all the time, doing problem solving stuff and engaging community partners. Some of the communities have active justice committees.”

Last year the police service received funding for a special constable program that has allowed them to have an officer work in the schools. These special constables also engage in community events after school.

Martin said he can sympathize with what the community members in Pelican Narrows are going through, but he encourages the band council to be diligent.

“Make sure they have the buildings and the facilities in place … and that their administrative function in place and working solidly.”

A spokesperson for the government told paNOW that they have not yet received the proposals from Pelican Narrows, but that they would be open to discussion.

nmaxwell@panow.com