Dear Wiikwemkoong Community,

2025 is off to a busy and exciting start, and I am eager to share some updates with you.

Earlier this year, we successfully secured a historic
funding agreement over ten years with Canada’s Ministry of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and the Solicitor General of Ontario—an unprecedented commitment that allows us long-term strategic planning while investing in resources that will make tangible differences in public safety within our community.

First Nation police forces have traditionally been funded as programs rather than essential services, with short-term agreements lasting only one or two years, often leading to severe underfunding. Our decade-long commitment offers a much-needed opportunity to proactively address community safety issues. For the first time, we can plan for the long term while investing in resources that will make a tangible difference in public safety.

We are also proud to announce two initiatives funded through Canada’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Commemoration Fund which enabled us not only to hire three permanent positions dedicated specifically towards addressing the MMIWG crisis but also purchase a new Wagoneer Community Services Vehicle adorned beautifully representing ‘Every Child Matters’ artwork.

Further, we’ve undertaken youth mentorship initiatives designed to inspire and empower Indigenous youth. Our program launched with a compelling session at Wikwemikong High School featuring JR Larose, a survivor and Grey Cup champion with the B.C. Lions, who shared his story of hope, perseverance, resilience, and motivation. Following the speaker series, we hosted our first annual youth ice fishing derby which saw 200 community members participate.

Youth engagement and outreach are so important for our community because statistics show Indigenous youth are at higher risk of becoming repeat offenders compared to non-Indigenous peers. While we address crime directly, it’s crucial to proactively demonstrate that our young people can achieve bright futures.

This progress wouldn’t be possible without support from our community leaders, partners, and dedicated community members – like you. We have seen our call volume increase along with Crime Stoppers tips because when you see something, you say something. Community safety is a collective effort; thank you for your cooperation.

WTPS is excited about further progress we’ll achieve together as both force and community. We look forward to keeping you updated this year.

Sincerely,

Ron Gignac

Chief of Police,

Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service

 

 

 

Automated License Plate Recognition Systems

The Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service (WTPS) is set to equip all patrol vehicles with automated license plate recognition systems. This advanced technology will enhance our ability to identify criminal elements, individuals wanted on judicial warrants, and vehicles involved in nefarious activities. It effectively intercepts drug courier vehicles, identifies stolen vehicles, and addresses unauthorized license plates. Officers will receive real-time data on every vehicle’s license plate, including information about stolen vehicles, unattached plates, missing persons, and individuals wanted on warrants or suspected of drug trafficking. These systems will significantly boost public safety by providing instant intelligence to officers via onboard computers for every vehicle detected by the cameras.

 

Modernized Optical Systems

To ensure public safety during low-light conditions or emergencies where lives are at risk, we are equipping our officers with new modernized optical systems. These state-of-the-art enhancements offer an effective firearms platform for immediate rapid deployments.

 

Mobile Data Terminals and In-Car Technology

We are introducing mobile data terminals that include in-car camera systems and police computers across all police vehicles. These technological advancements will provide our officers with the necessary tools for conducting enhanced community patrols and improving situational awareness.

 

Online Police Reporting System

This summer, WTPS will launch an updated online police reporting system on our website. This new system aims to make reporting more efficient for community members who need to report non-emergency matters to the police.

 

Offender Management Program

WTPS has launched a new Offender Management Program as a part of one of the force’s proactive crime reduction strategies. The implementation of this program came as our community realized the need to promote community safety through the supervision of repeat, non-compliant and high-risk offenders.

This program has a multi-layered approach to offender management with the goal of increasing community safety through intelligence, enforcement, and partnerships. This program will be launched in April 2025 and will remain as an ongoing crime suppression strategy.

The launch of the Offender Management Program demonstrates the force’s commitment towards fostering a stronger and safer community through enhanced collaboration with provincial authorities and other law enforcement partners.

 

WTPS Station Building Upgrade

The WTPS station is set for a building upgrade that includes expanded floor space. This development is part of our strategic growth plan from 2025-2029 under a new staffing and deployment model designed to better serve the needs of our community.

 

The Cost of Crime and Recidivism   

Implementing an offender management program at WTPS is crucial for mitigating both the tangible and intangible costs of crime within our community.

Research from the Office of the Auditor General of Canada has underscored significant financial burdens associated with crime, including a 46% increase in inmate housing costs and a 66% rise in overall criminal justice expenditures over a decade. These escalating costs highlight an urgent need for effective strategies to manage offenders and reduce recidivism.

Further, in 2021, Statistics Canada reported approximately 41 percent of federal offenders experienced a new conviction within two years of release, with indigenous offenders having higher rates of recidivism.

An offender management program can directly address these issues by:

  • Reducing Victim Costs: By preventing re-offending, such programs can decrease direct economic losses to victims, including property damage, lost wages, and medical expenses.
  • Lowering Criminal Justice Expenditures: Effective management of offenders can lead to reduced reliance on costly correctional facilities and services, thereby alleviating financial pressure on law enforcement and judicial systems.
  • Minimizing Opportunity Costs: Encouraging rehabilitation over incarceration in local pre-charge diversion efforts, providing housing referral, job referral, and treatment options that allows individuals to contribute positively to society rather than engaging in habitual illegal activities that detract from economic productivity.
  • Addressing Intangible Costs: By reducing crime rates through targeted interventions, communities can experience improved quality of life with less pain and suffering among victims.

Given these potential benefits, WTPS’s implementation of an offender management program represents a proactive approach to safeguarding community resources while enhancing public safety and well-being.

 

This year, WTPS has…

  • Arrested multiple illicit narcotics traffickers under the Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service drug strategy through intercepts, interdiction, and combined forces efforts on the Territory.
  • Successfully launched the WTPS crime unit with two detective constable investigators in its first six months.
  • Implemented a new upgraded and modernized telephone system and computer server systems for the WTPS.
  • Added three new civilian positions: office assistant and court assistant roles to enhance service delivery and respond to growing demands and community needs.

 

 

Boating and ATV Safety Reminder

As the season begins, we remind our community to prioritize safety while enjoying boating and ATV activities. It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the operation of your machines and boats, ensuring you understand all controls and functions. Always check that your safety equipment is in good working order before heading out. Whether you’re on water or trails, staying informed and prepared helps ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Stay safe out there!

 

Summary of January and February Occurrences

2025 has been off to a busy start for WTPS. We saw an increase in calls related to violent crimes and property crimes. However, since the launch of our proactive drug strategy, we are pleased to report a drop in drug related crimes this year.

Since the end of 2024, we have seen increase for calls for service. Our total RMS occurrences has increased by 34.4%. Saturday has become our busiest day of the week where we see 17.9% of calls and our peak hour was between 11:00 AM – 12:59 AM, which saw 60 calls.

The increase in calls is a testament to our community actively working together to make our community safer. Thank you for your effort and please continue to say something if you see something.

In 2025, we will continue tracking repeat offenders more closely. These individuals often commit multiple crimes and are frequently released back into the community after arrest—even when police oppose their release—leading them to re-offend at
high rates.  We have 131% increase in total charges laid with adult female charges up 440%.

 

Occurrences Breakdown 

Total RMS Occurrences

Year-to-date: Increased by 34%
(up to 1555 incidents Mar 25 from 1165 Mar 24).

Violent Crime (Year-to-date)

Total investigations increased by 34.4% and assault investigations rose by 28.6%.

Sexual assault investigations increased from 4 to 12. This is high considering Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory had a total of 30 investigations in 2024 and 36 in 2023.  It’s a 200% increase.

Property Crime (Year-to-date)

Total investigations surged by 60.3%, up to 93 incidents from 58.

Theft Under investigations increased the most up 84.2%.

Break and Enter investigations are up by 62%, from 16 to 26 incidents.  I encourage all residents to lock houses/vehicles and secure your yard equipment.

Drug Crime (Year-to-date)

Total investigation decreased 27% from 18 incidents to 13.

Occurrences involving drugs increased by 39%, from 41 to 57 incidents.

Other Investigations (Year-to-date)

Total occurrences rose by 33.5%, from 1165incidents to 1555.

Traffic complaints are up by 152.5% from 21 incidents to 54.