Policing improved in Grassy Narrows since protest: Swain

Since a two-day protest in late-May in Grassy Narrows First Nation prevented Treaty Three Police Service officers from accessing the community, progress has been made in the relationship between officers and community members.
“In the last few years, there had been a lot of complaints made against the police,” said protest organizer Chrissy Swain.
“When I first raised concerns about this more than two years ago, it seemed like things actually got worse instead of better.”
These included poor response times to calls, inappropriate use of force and intimidation towards community members.
Also, allegations were made that youth were being picked up, abused by officers and dropped off on the back road on the outskirts of the community, Swain said.
“(Prior to the protest) it seemed like no one was dealing with these issues,” Swain said.
“I wanted to get attention and raise awareness about this issue.”
The allegation of abuse against youth came as a surprise to Treaty Three Police Sgt. Tara Kelly.
“I haven’t received any official complaints (about this issue),” Kelly said. “It’s concerning to me for that comment to be made.”
Kelly said some of the other complaints have been addressed in the two months since the protest.
“Response time was a major community concern,” Kelly said.
She said during the protest police were allowed access to deal with any emergency situations that arose.
“We’ve made a commitment to look into this issue.”
Added Swain: “They agreed to answer calls right away and be more visible in the community.”
Another of Swain’s concerns was dealt with directly at the conclusion of the protest.
At the request of the community, one officer was asked to not return to police in the community.
“That officer was (re)assigned to patrol in the Kenora-area,” Kelly confirmed.
Swain said it was an important step in starting to regain the trust of the community.
“So far, things are starting to change,” Swain said.
“Hopefully things will change and our young people will start to feel safer.”
But officer staffing levels remain a concern for Swain and the community.
“There are two gaps in the police shifts,” Swain said.
“People commit crimes during this time. During that gap, people come out and drink and drive.”
Overall, Kelly has seen progress made in the relationship between officers and community members.