CANADIAN CONGRESS ON CRIMNAL JUSTICE

1. CANADIAN CONGRESS ON CRIMNAL JUSTICE John W. Syrette Police Chief Anishinabek Police Service

2. Anishinabek Police Service • Anishinabek Police Service is responsible for policing seventeen First Nation communities across Ontario, from Kettle & Stony Point First Nation in the South to Fort William First Nation in the North • The APS Headquarters is located in Garden River First Nation near Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. The APS is divided into 3 regions, North, South and Central. There are twelve detachments serving the 16 First Nations. • The approximate population is 13,109. • Anishinabek Police Service has 69 sworn officers and 21 civilian members.

3. Fort William 9. Magnetawan • Rocky Bay 10. Shawanaga • Ginoogaming 11. Wasauksing • Heron Bay 12. Christian Island • Pic Mobert 13. Nipissing • Garden River 14. Curve Lake • Sagamok 15. Kettle Point • Wahnapitae 16. Dokis

4. In-depth analysis of current climate and challenges • Police Chief terminated in 2004 as a result of disclosure of 2.9 million dollar deficit • Deficit recovery plan implemented over a four year period • Break even achieved at start of 2008 fiscal year • Population on reserve growing at a 12% annual rate • Young people 18 – 25 years largest population • Housing inadequate, unsafe, overcrowded • Poverty and lack of opportunities for communities • High risk offenders returning to communities

5. In-depth analysis of current climate and challenges • Education/youth programming are not a priority in many of our communities • Funding of police service - “front line policing” • Any crime prevention programs are provided through successful grant application programs outside of the normal tripartite agreement

9. In-depth analysis of current climate and challenges • Response strategies: • Community sessions “When You Can’t Say No” • Grant applications continuous • Family violence coordinator (paid by Province) • A.P.S. member assigned to Intelligence Unit in Sault Ste. Marie – information on drug movement flowed to detachments (F.N.O.C.I.) • 8 P.O.R.F. positions secured and assigned throughout regions as per Efficiency Review Recommendations • C.D.A.T. members assigned to increase A.P.S. role in U.O.I. “War on Drugs”

10. In-depth analysis of current climate and challenges • Anishinabek Nation ‘War on Drugs’ •  Prevention •  Treatment • Ogitchidaawin:  Protecting Our Own • Enforcement • The Anishinabek Nation incorporated the Union of Ontario Indians as its secretariat in 1949. The UOI is a political advocate for 42 member First Nations across Ontario.

11. Core issues - negotiation of tripartite agreements

12. Core issues - negotiation of tripartite agreements • John Wayne Negotiator • “I’ve been around Indian Policing since **** and I’ve policed some tough reserves” • I know what your service needs • I don’t think you need that….we never had that back in the old days • Status quo is my mantra

13. Core issues - negotiation of tripartite agreements • Scrooge Negotiator • Why do you need cars at all your detachments? • You are the most expensive police service in Canada • I think we need to audit you again • “First nations communities, will be encouraged to help for the cost of maintaining their police service, where possible” • Terms and conditions for the contribution funding under the First Nation policing program, the Band Constable Program, the Aboriginal Community Constable Program, the Nunavut Community Constable Program and the Inuit Policing Program

14. Core issues - negotiation of tripartite agreements

15. Core issues - negotiation of tripartite agreements • We can’t do anything until the Feds make a decision (Pinocchio) • We would love to help but policing is a federal responsibility (Pinocchio) • I don’t remember saying that? (Waldo) • I’ll find out and get back to you (Waldo)

16. Core issues - negotiation of tripartite agreements • The First Nations Policing Policy (FNPP) was created in 1991 to make communities safer, increase responsibility and accountability and build new partnerships with First Nations. It provides Aboriginal people with: • A strong voice in the administration of justice in their communities; • Police services that respect their cultures and traditions; • The same standards of police services as in other Canadian communities; • Police services that are accountable to the communities they serve

17. Core issues - negotiation of collective agreements

18. Core issues - negotiation of collective agreements • Small police association replaced by national trade union (P.S.A.C.) • Limited experience with police conduct issues • R v McNeil decision and the presence of conduct issues on an employee’s file • Limited appreciation of the priority to serving our own people and the larger role beyond being a police officer • One size Collective Agreements fit all

19. The future of First Nationstand alone police services

20. The future of First Nationstand alone police services • Continued threat with potential development of CTA’s in Ontario • Capacity development within services will ensure First Nations Services are staffed at all levels by First Nations people • Movement away from front line policing only mentality • Create and hold police service to business plans that are developed by all stakeholders, board, management and front line • Nurture and maintain political partnerships as we move toward our own justice system

21. Conclusion • John W. Syrette • jsyrette@apscops.org • Meegwitch