Background

In June 1991, the First Nations Policing Policy (FNPP) was introduced by the Department of the Solicitor General of Canada. Under this policy, the federal and provincial governments work with First Nations to negotiate tripartite agreements for police services that meet the specific needs of each community. The Federation’s involvement with the FNPP began in 1992 and continues on this day.

In 1996, an independent review found the policy framework “relevant, sound, and on-track” and many First Nations believed that the tripartite process was an effective transition step to First Nations self-administered policing. Minor revisions made to the FNPP independent review reflected the federal government’s commitment to support First Nations’ goal to become self-governing.

The objectives of the policy are: to strengthen public security and personal safety; to increase responsibility and accountability; and build new partnerships with First Nations based on trust, mutual respect and participation in decision-making. Police services must be responsive, accessible, effective, regulated and accountable through bodies that are representative of the communities they serve.

At this time, the federal and provincial governments share jurisdiction and funding support in providing policing services to First Nations. Funding arrangements through Community Tripartite Agreements (CTAs) are cost-shared: 52% by the federal government and 48% by the provincial government. These services include funding for program administration such as police governance mechanisms; recruitment, training and education; salaries and benefits; and operations, maintenance, and minor capital expenditures. Funding may also be provided for policing needs analyses, research and development, evaluations and public education. Currently there are 33 CTAs in Saskatchewan that cover 48 First Nations’ communities.

The Executive Director of Justice guides the overall strategic direction of the Policing Office and policy analysts assist with province-wide policing developments. Two policing coordinators contribute to the development of police governance capacity on the regional level.

Objective

To coordinate capacity development activities for police management boards; to provide support and assist the First Nation communities of Saskatchewan with negotiating their respective policing agreements, and to assist in the transition from RCMP First Nations Community Policing Services to First Nations self-administered police services.

Deliverables

The Police Office provides on-going technical support to community tripartite agreements (CTA) and to First Nations communities to ensure development of a Police Management Board (PMB) capacity development strategy; addresses any policing concerns and issues raised by First Nation communities through community meetings/workshops and intergovernmental discussions; assists First Nations in designing practical operations of a First Nations controlled police service on-reserve; and assists in facilitating the transition from contracted policing services to self-administered (stand-alone) policing services.

Current Initiatives

The Policing Office is currently involved in the following initiatives:

• Refocusing and redesigning the capacity development activities of First Nations Police Management Boards (PMB) to define their role and responsibilities within the First Nations Policing Service Framework Agreement and First Nations Police Services Act; and to become more involved in negotiating their respective CTA; and
• Providing technical support to First Nations and Tribal Councils in the development and implementation of a protocol between individual First Nations and the RCMP respecting Indian Child & Family Services (ICFS) in addressing the involvement of children in domestic violence, apprehensions, and investigations.