Feasibility Study for
a Self-Administered Police Service
The future of PAGC Policing is here.
After 18-months of community engagement, and further study, we are continuing our feasibility study in partnership with MNP. A PAGC Policing & Community Safety Gathering will be held October 15 and 16 in Saskatoon to share findings and modelling to date.
We are covering the costs for two people from every PAGC community to attend. Additional members and partners are welcome to attend at their own cost and with a registration feed.
People are also welcome to attend for free online.
Please register by September 26 by clicking here or accessing PDF copies of the registration forms in the blue box on the right.
Thank you
Beginning in June 2024, our engagement team set out to have in depth conversations with our community leaders, members, and those well versed in the safety needs and challenges facing our communities.
Our Work Continues
As we continue this work, we are focused on ensuring our recommendations will reflect PAGC member Nation priorities, culture and visions for community safety.
Donna Campbell and David Sanderson
Reports
- 2019 National First Nations Policing and Indigenous Justice Symposium – Final Report
- 2022 Signed Letter of Intent formalizing a collaborative working relationship between PAGC, the Govt. of Canada and the Govt. of Saskatchewan.
- 2022 Summary of the Braiding Knowledge for Safe Communities Symposium
- 2024 PAGC Tribune newspaper article announcing Feasibility Study
- 2025 PAGC Tribune Article “The Vision of a PAGC Indigenous self-administered Police Service”
- 2025 PAGC Tribune Article “Creating a Self-administered Indigenous Police Service for PAGC Communities will be a huge Challenge”
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.