Skip to content

Ontario invests in modernizing First Nations policing

The province says the funding will give First Nations police services new crime-fighting technology
kai-liu-treaty-three-police
Kai Liu has served as chief of the Treaty Three Police since 2019. (Treaty Three Police)

THUNDER BAY – Nine First Nations police services and 18 First Nations communities who have policing administered by the Ontario Provincial Police under the First Nations and Inuit Policing Program (FNIPP) will be seeing some more modern policing equipment after an announcement by the Ontario government. 

The province announced over $6 million in funding which they say is to help First Nations police services better protect their communities. 

“First Nations police services need modern equipment to keep their communities safe,” said Solicitor General, Michael Kerzner. “This initiative will provide police officers and personnel with the tools they need to fight crime effectively and efficiently while in the field and connected to a local command network.”  

Ontario says this investment comes as part of the province’s First Nations Policing Modernization Initiative and will be used to purchase new technology. 

“As we look to modernize law enforcement across the province, it is critical that we support First Nations police services,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs. “These targeted investments will enhance efficiency and give officers the tools they need to serve their communities and remain safe on the job.” 

Kai Liu, Chief, Treaty Three Police Service, and President of the Indigenous Police Chiefs of Ontario says that the new equipment including mobile workstations, body cameras and automated license plate readers will go a long way to supporting officers. 

“I am pleased to get this equipment into the hands of our frontline officers. Mobile workstations will increase community safety and police visibility by keeping officers on the road and in our communities,” he said. 

“Video footage from our officer's camera equipment could be streamed directly into the command centre during emergency incidents. That’s a major step forward in our police service, thus improving our crime prevention capabilities.” 

Among the policing services receiving funds is the Treaty Three Police Service which is receiving $1,406,548.37, Anishinabek Police Service which is receiving $1,194,072.00, Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service which is receiving $1,102,367.26, and Lac Seul Police Service which will receive $84,531.00. 

18 OPP-Administered Communities will receive a combined total of $317,782.92


Comments

Verified reader

If you would like to apply to become a verified commenter, please fill out this form.