Wapekaka gets extra NAPS officer

Persistence has paid off for Chief Norman Brown of Wapekeka First Nation.

November 12, 2009: Volume 36 #23, Page A2

For two years, Brown has asked Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service (NAPS) for additional manpower in his community of about 350 people located 450 kilometres northwest of Sioux Lookout.

On Nov. 5, NAPS representatives visited Wapekeka to meet with chief and council to discuss the issue of lacking police services. Const. Jason Sutton is the only NAPS officer in the community. He is supported by local peacekeepers employed by the community. The four peacekeepers rotate shifts.

“The peacekeepers are not trained,” Brown said, adding the role of the peacekeepers is to monitor activity at the airport and the holding cells.

The peacekeepers have a separate building to hold individuals who are in danger of hurting themselves or others, especially in cases of intoxication.

“What we require is police presence. When we have somebody place a call, we expect an officer to answer that call,” Brown emphasized.

Nishnawbe Aski Police Service representatives meet with Wapekeka Chief Norman Brown and council members Nov. 5 in Wapekeka concerning a lack of police services in the community. During the meeting, Acting NAPS Chief of Police Robin Jones said additional manpower would be provided.
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The community is also concerned with the escalating problem of drugs being brought into Wapekeka.

Brad Duce is a detective constable with the drug enforcement unit established in April.

NAPS constables from that unit will visit the community to assist with drug prevention, investigations, enforcement and the use of a police dog.

“There will be less pressure on chief and council to do house visits,” Duce said.

During the meeting, Acting NAPS Chief of Police Robin Jones also committed to adding an additional constable in Wapekeka by Nov. 16.

With the additional NAPS manpower, 16 hours of policing will be provided per day, an increase from 8 hours per day. Jones admitted that funding shortages does not allow 24-hour police coverage.

Brown is hopeful the new constable will be pro-active by participating in community events, being visible and getting along with the people.

“The officer must know that the community wants him here and welcomes him with open arms instead of working and feeling alone,” Brown said.

Jones said she would strive to ensure the constables communicate on a regular basis with chief and council.

“We encourage and expect our police officers to work with the community. They resonate the corner stone of us moving forward. We expect that of our officers,” Jones said.