Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service says too many offenders in the community are failing to comply with release conditions and often end up reoffending. So in the fall of 2024, the police service started discussions on a provincial bail compliance program and how they could create something of their own. Phase 1 of the offender management program looked at collecting data surrounding the severity of offences and the type of recidivism. “We had 24 individuals enlisted in the program (and) we had 20 compliance checks conducted in total,” said Police Chief Ron Gignac. “We had found that there were eight individuals who were non-compliant or ignoring their conditions. So the percentage of noncompliance during the first week, which was the pilot phase, was 40 per cent.” As part of the launch of the program, police targeted a residence known for harbouring chronic and repeat offenders. A search warrant led to the discovery of 14 people inside -- 11 were arrested on outstanding warrants, with several others wanted in other jurisdictions. “It just goes to show you that when we engage and we launch such a program to enhance community and public safety, this is some of the spinoffs that happen as a result,” Gignac said. The program now has platoons conduct monthly audits to see whether individuals can be removed or added to the program, something that is done in collaboration with UCCM and Manitoulin Ontario Provincial Police. “In the process of those checks, we also like that holistic approach to say, hey, we also come bearing these offers of assistance for addictions, housing and jobs programs that, you know, we’re going to offer,” Gignac said. Wiikwemkoong Ogimaa Tim Ominika said it’s important to understand the challenges residents face, such as intergenerational trauma and people who are losing their cultural identity. “Using our cultural teachings, our cultural belief systems, and using that form of treatment we are finding is going to be a lot more successful,” Ominika said. “And aside from incarceration and rehabilitation, when they come back into the community, we will have those readily available for them … in the community.” Ultimately, the goal of the program is to enhance community safety. “Those who are thinking of committing nefarious activities in the future, it’s not going to be tolerated here by the police service and our policing partners in Manitoulin Island,” Ominika said. The police service is expecting to move into the provincial bail compliance program later in 2025, while concurrently running the offender management program, allowing for even more intelligence and evidence-based information into the future.
