After many years together, the Walpole Island Police Service is breaking from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and going it alone.
Walpole Island Council reported the First Nation is working to transition its current policing model from the Ontario First Nations Policing Agreement, currently administered by the OPP, to its own self-administered, stand-alone police service.
Walpole Island Chief and Council said community surveys have "consistently expressed" support for this vision, adding the current police model will continue to operate until the new stand-alone police detachment is fully operational.
"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 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," Walpole Island Council said.
According to the Council, a policing capacity needs assessment has been underway since 2018, including researching First Nations policing programs and model options, engaging the Walpole Island community through a police model survey, and providing an analysis of First Nations policing models to Council.
The report was released in 2019, and the results supported a self-administered, stand-alone police detachment as the preferred policing model for Walpole Island, Council noted.
It also noted that the Walpole Island community backed a stand-alone police detachment in a 2008 survey and again in 2023.
The OPP is being asked to provide operational resources and guidance during the transition.
"This collaboration is intended to support the transition while maintaining a strong commitment to serving our community," said Council.
Two OPP Staff Sergeants are currently providing operational support and administrative oversight to Walpole Island police to assist with the transition and modernize the current policing model, including updating organizational structure, updating policies and procedures, and providing critical leadership support.
"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," Council noted.
The Walpole Island Police Service said it's laying the groundwork for a "strong, independent" police service that reflects the needs, values, and principles of the community.
