Posted here Nov. 16, 2006
EDMONTON (CP) - Six northern Alberta aboriginal bands are now under RCMP watch until the province and the communities decide how to replace a scrapped police force.
The Alberta government announced earlier this year that it was not renewing the contract of the Lesser Slave Lake Police Service after a review of the operation.
Since 1995, the service patrolled six northern Alberta reserves, including the Horse Lake First Nation near Hythe.
The cancellation took effect Sept. 7.
The Solicitor General's Department cited failure to investigate major crimes such as sexual assault, aggravated assault and one attempted murder in its decision to cancel its contract.
Former chief Jon Netelenbos said he pleaded for more officers from the province but never got them.
Department spokesman Andy Weiler said the province wants a new service in place by April 1, 2007.