Tribal Police Force Planned for Pelican Narrows

Tribal Police Force Planned for Pelican Narrows

Wednesday, June 23, 2004 at 14:25

Efforts are underway to develop a tribal police force at Pelican Narrows.

The force would consist of trained band members who would have the same arrest powers as a peace officer while possibly carrying guns.

Project coordinator Orrin Greyeyes says the idea of establishing a force for the community has been around for many years now.

He believes it offers many benefits over traditional RCMP policing, especially when it comes to officers’ connections to the community.

Greyeyes says spots on the force are being made open to all PBCN band members, and training is scheduled to begin in July.

He adds talks between the band and the two levels of government are ongoing as they attempt to garner full support for the initiative.