Troy Cooper with Chief Karen Bird of PBCN. (Submitted Photo/Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation)

By paNOW Staff

COMMUNITY SAFETY

Former Sask. police chief to lead community safety at Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation

Feb 23, 2024 | 8:00 AM

A man who led the Prince Albert and Saskatoon Police Services for several years has a new job, overseeing the safety of a Saskatchewan First Nation.

The Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation (PBCN) announced Thursday that Troy Cooper is being brought on as the new community safety lead.

Cooper led the Prince Albert police force from 2012 to 2018. He left to take the top job in Saskatoon and retired this past December.

“Bringing Troy Cooper on board is a pivotal step in our efforts to confront the serious issues of drugs, gangs, and violence within our communities,” said PBCN Chief Karen Bird. “His extensive policing background provides the insights and expertise we need to navigate our community toward a safer, more secure future.”

In the role as the safety lead, Cooper will counsel the chief and council, community members, and the management team on safety issues. He will also oversee community safety engagement, develop a community-based interagency model, and establish comprehensive safety plans.

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Cooper said it’s a privilege to engage with the First Nation as they continue to deal with rising issues of violence and crime.

“I am dedicated to addressing the immediate safety challenges at hand and to building a foundation for lasting community protection,” he said in a media release. “Our joint efforts will focus on proactive, community-driven safety strategies that will protect our communities now and ensure their resilience for the future.”

The Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation has been in a State of Emergency since October 2023 due to issues of crime and violent activity in Pelican Narrows and Deschambault Lake.

READ MORE: First Nations leaders call for immediate help as crisis worsens in Pelican Narrows

Earlier this month, the chief and council, the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) and the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) called for immediate funding and resources from the federal government to help them deal with the crisis.

In an open letter sent to the federal and provincial governments, the PBCN called for a list of needs to deal with issues of crime, mental health, addictions, health care and infrastructure.

This includes increased nursing staff, 24-hour triage services, security personnel, and bolstering of mental health supports, along with protective equipment, enhanced perimeter security and upgraded surveillance for the health centre.

The letter also called for the regular assignment of the RCMP Crime Reduction Team, more staff, and proactive crime prevention initiatives and for the federal and provincial governments to provide adequate housing for staff, establish a detox centre and healing lodge, and help with the construction of a new fire hall and the equipment necessary to run it.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com