Feasibility Study for
a Self-Administered Police Service
We are proud and excited to announce a significant milestone in our journey towards creating a self-administered regional police service. With $1.4 million in funding from the federal and provincial governments, we are ready to advance to the next stage of this project.
Our Work Begins
With the new funding, we will begin work on a feasibility study and implementation strategy. This study will include:
- In-depth community engagement to understand safety needs
- Analysis of current and future resource requirements
- Costing and recommendations for future policing models
- A detailed transition plan for implementation
Engaging Our Communities
We will work closely with all member Nations and their communities. PAGC has partnered with MNP, who will be leading the feasibility study and Indigenous-owned consulting firm Creative Fire, who will provide communications and engagement support. The Public Safety Implementation Team (PSIT), led by David Sanderson and Donna Campbell, will lead engagement at the community level.
Donna Campbell and David Sanderson
Community Engagement Session at Wahpeton Dakota Nation, June 17, 2024
Building a Lasting Foundation
The next two years will be an exciting period of envisioning, strategizing, and building a lasting foundation for an Indigenous-led policing system. We are focused on ensuring our recommendations will reflect PAGC member Nation priorities, culture and visions for community safety.
Milestones
- 2017 – PAGC begins advocation for Indigenous-led policing.
- 2018 – PAGC Chiefs endorse the idea of Indigenous-led police force and commit to further research.
- 2019 – PAGC hosts First Nations Policing and Justice Symposium to help develop a roadmap. (view final report)
- 2022 – A Letter of Intent is signed to formalize a collaborative working relationalship between PAGC and the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan in meeting the objective of developing an implementation plan for community oriented public safety and policing. (view letter of intent)
- 2022 – Public Safety Initiative Team (PSIT) is formed by PAGC and the federal and provincial governments to determine costs and requirements for a feasibility study.
- December 2022 – Braiding Knowledge for Safer Communities Symposium supports the development of community safety plans for all PAGC communities. (view summary report)
- April 2023 – Members of PAGC travel to Arizona to visit the Navajo Tribal Police and learn more about successful Indigenous-led policing models.
- December 2023 – PAGC receives $1.4 million in funding from the federal and provincial governments to support a feasibility study for self-administered policing. (view PAGC Tribune newspaper article)
- June 2024 – Community engagement begins.
- Summer/Fall 2026 – Feasibility study complete.
FAQ
Why is PAGC looking at its own police service?
PAGC is committed to ensuring community safety and supporting thriving, healthy communities. By creating an Indigenous police service governed by PAGC, we can provide culturally appropriate interventions and responses. It will help us ensure the safety and well-being of all community members while respecting the unique needs and values of our people.
Will all member Nations be required to participate?
Participation will be voluntary. Nations who are exploring their own self-governed
alternatives to policing or wishing to remain under RCMP jurisdiction are welcome to do so.
What is the expected timeline?
While we know communities are anxious to move forward with this initiative, it is important
we do this thougtfully and thoroughly.
Since the creation of the Public Safety Implementation Team in 2022, we have worked
tirelessly to secure funding from the federal and provincial governments. The next stage, a
feasibility study, will take approximately two years to complete.
This includes:
- Community safety analysis
- Engagement with all 28 member communities
- Inventory of existing policing infrastructure and resources budget analysis for
operational and transition costs - Future state model proposals for further consultation
Once we have a full picture of community safety needs, existing resources, and additional
requirements, and have selected a policing model, we will be able to share next steps and
a detailed transition timeline.
Will there still be RCMP presence in the North?
Saskatchewan is a large province, and we expect any long-term successful model will
involve collaboration with both the RCMP and any existing local police forces. The RCMP
will also continue to hold primary jurisdiction in communities that are not members of
PAGC.
Will there be any immediate changes to policing?
While the study is ongoing, there will be no changes to current policing services.