Residents of Hiawatha First Nation in eastern Ontario are well aware of Const. John Sahanatien’s presence on duty and his absence when he clocks off.
Ever since his partner took extended leave two years ago, Sahanatien has been the sole officer patrolling the area near Peterborough, Ont. He has learned that in his absence, off-road vehicles speed on community roads, parties escalate, and there are no checks on drivers.
He expressed to Global News, “When I’m not here, the community feels less safe because there’s no patrol, no response to calls, and no proactive measures being taken.”
During Sahanatien’s off-duty hours, calls from Hiawatha First Nation are diverted to the Ontario Provincial Police in Peterborough County, resulting in delayed responses in a vast region.
Under the 1990s agreement, Sahanatien is one of 78 Ontario First Nations Policing Agreement officers who operate with federal and provincial backing to provide policing services.
A recent report by the Chiefs of Ontario highlights the severe underfunding of the agreement, leading to insufficient resources and impacting officers’ mental health and job security.
Recommendations from the report include increased funding and staffing to prevent officers from working alone and to enhance their compensation.
Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner emphasized that funding solutions require collaboration among the federal and provincial governments under the existing agreement.
Despite blaming each other, both levels of government acknowledge the strain on frontline officers and the necessity for immediate action.
Sahanatien shared the burden of constant responsibility and the limitations of working alone, hindering his ability to perform non-emergency police duties effectively.
The challenges faced by Sahanatien and other officers are rooted in the underfunded and complex nature of the First Nations Policing Agreement, as outlined in the report.
