Eabametoong may also pull out of NAPS

Tb News Source
Web Posted: 7/11/2008 2:23:50 PM

A chief of a remote northern reserve says crime in his community is getting out of control because of a lack of police resources and says the NAPS office is in deplorable condition.

The Eabametoong First Nation, also known as Fort Hope, is home to 1,200 residents, but the community usually has only one officer on duty from the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service. According to Chief Soloman Atlookan because of a major shortage of NAPS officers, the local crime rate has risen dramatically because the culprits believe they can get away with almost anything.

The community is now looking at following the lead set by Kashechewan and pulling out of NAPS, due to the recent breakdown in funding talks between Ottawa and the police service. Atlookan says that would be a difficult decision for his council, because of the NAPS officers reputation of being sensitive to First Nations issues.