Moose Lake Detachment

Contact Information:
General Delivery
Moose Lake, MB
R0B 0Y0
Ph: (204) 678-2399
Fax: (204) 678-2307

Location:
We provide policing services to Mosakahiken Cree Nation and the Moose Lake Metis settlement, as well as Crossing Bay, which is another portion of Mosakahiken Cree Nation.

Local Population:
Mosakahiken Cree Nation has a population of approximately 1000 people. The Moose Lake Metis settlement has a population of approximately 300 people. Crossing Bay has a population of approximately 80 people.

RCMP Detachment:
The Moose Lake detachment consists of one corporal, three constables, one Public Service Employee, and one local band constable.

Community-based problem solving:

Often, groups are already in place to deal with ongoing concerns or community projects. The following details what community challenges are being addressed by the members of the RCMP in partnership with their community. The major working groups include:

Moose Lake Policing Committee: This committee consists of community residents, members of the band council, and police. Our mandate is to not only address community needs but policing concerns as well. It is anticipated that a plan of action will be developed that will make the community a safer and healthier area in which to live.

Community Hall Committee: Moose Lake had a community hall that hosted various functions throughout the year, including dances. The dances were unlicensed under the Liquor Control Act and were becoming unmanageable due to the illegal consumption of alcohol. Subsequently, a meeting was held that consisted of the community council, local residents, the RCMP, and a representative of the Liquor Control Commission. An action plan was developed, which included training individuals in running socials and building modifications so it met regulations. After these changes were made, the first licensed function was held without incident.

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Restorative and alternative justice:

Nationwide, members of the RCMP are involved in alternative justice processes, whether volunteering as facilitators or sitting on steering committees. Each community may embrace a different form of restorative justice, be it community justice forums, circle sentencing, or mediation.

Justice Committee: A member is responsible for liaising with the committee. Often, matters are remanded to allow the justice committee an opportunity to deal with the issue prior to it proceeding further in court. If the justice committee is unable to fulfill the requirements, the matter is returned to the courts.

Restorative Justice: The policing committee and detachment personnel are in the process of establishing a new committee.

Alternative Justice: The detachment is involved in providing a number of alternatives to formal court procedures. We work closely with the restorative justice committee and were key in developing alternatives. One such alternative which we believe will benefit the community is to have the offender attend a sweat where they are counselled by an elder.

Crime prevention:

Members of the RCMP are involved with a number of programs designed to prevent crime in our communities through both indirect and direct intervention. From school talks to youth initiatives and community safety plans, the goal of crime prevention programs is to target the roots of potential criminal and social problems. Members of the RCMP are involved in the following initiatives:

Gang Awareness: The gang awareness unit attended Moose Lake and was introduced to local government officials. A follow-up visit was arranged and a presentation was made to a group of youths on gang-related issues in schools.

Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE): DARE is a collaborative program in which local law enforcement officials and local schools join together to educate students about the personal and social consequences of substance abuse. The DARE interactive lessons not only include a strong no-use message but also include lessons on assertiveness, managing stress, reducing violence, combating media influences, making decisions about risky behaviours, having positive role models, and building self-esteem. The certified DARE officer was transferred, but Moose Lake detachment is looking after having a member certifying in order to keep the program running.

Auxiliary Constable Program: A lifetime resident of Moose Lake participates in this program. He provides many hours of volunteer time. He is fluent in Cree, and is well respected by the citizens of Moose Lake and detachment members. He is a positive role model to others and the program is assisting him in achieving his aspirations of becoming a regular member of the RCMP.

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Police-community relations:

Without a solid base upon which to work, the police cannot hope to build the necessary partnerships with the community to prevent crime and to solve community problems. Members of the RCMP strive to build those bridges by appreciating the needs of the communities in which they work and live. Their commitment to the community goes beyond simple participation as residents, but also as active members of the community. Members of the RCMP are involved in the following initiatives:

• Race Relations
• Red Serge Duty & Parades
• Terry Fox Run
• Follow Your Dreams

Quality service through strategic partnerships:

The community also benefits directly and indirectly from strategic partnerships that the RCMP forms with other law enforcement and governmental agencies as well as with as with other community groups. Several unique associations have been formed:

• The Pas and Area Victim Services Program
• Cree Nation Child and family Services
• Provincial Child & Family Services
• Native Alcohol Drug Addiction Program (NADAP)
• Moskahiken Cree Nation Chief & Council
• Moose Lake Community Mayor and Council