FSIN Defends Tribal Police Force Under Fire

FSIN Defends Tribal Police Force Under Fire

Thursday, September 06, 2007 at 15:07

 

 

A vice-chief with the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations is addressing allegations made against a tribal police force in southern Saskatchewan.

 

Glen Pratt says mistakes may have been made by some members of the File Hills First Nations Police Service.

 

However, Pratt feels the entire affair is being blown out of proportion.

 

According to reports on CBC Radio that surfaced this week, an individual suffered a broken arm while in custody, while another person claims officers dropped the ball on a domestic dispute which resulted in a death.

 

Pratt says the reports are being dealt with in a professional matter, and no one is trying to sweep anything under the rug.

 

At the same time, Pratt believes the good work the tribal police force is doing outweighs the bad.

 

He says part of the reason tribal police forces exist is because communities push for their creation.

 

Pratt says response times are quicker on reserve, and tribal officers often understand situations mainstream police can’t.

 

He adds the tribal force’s board of commissioners is made up mostly of local band members, and they will determine what needs to be done.