Police Personnel
All police members of D.O.P.S. are sworn peace officers within the Province of Manitoba and have jurisdiction throughout the Province.

The Police Service is comprised of twenty-six (26) members employed at one of the five detachments and two (2) Administrative Officers located in Brandon, Manitoba. Each detachment employs a Detachment Clerk/Typist. There are three (3) support staff employed at Brandon Headquarters to maintain administrative, investigative, personnel and C.P.I.C. files.

The Police Service not only employs local Police Officers and secretaries, but also guards, matrons and maintenance personnel from within the communities.

Presently, a Sergeant supervises the Sandy Bay Detachment, while the remaining detachments are supervised by Corporals. This member has complete control of all operations of the detachment. He/She is required to meet with the local Chief & Council, Local Police Committee and any other committees on a regular basis to ensure that the services being provided meet the needs of the community.

As a note of interest, the D.O.P.S. members below the rank of Deputy Chief belong to the Manitoba First Nations Police Association, an organization they formed in 1993. With the formation of the M.F.N.P.A., which was a historical first for Canada and First Nation Police Services, collective bargaining initiatives are pursued in a cooperative manner between D.O.P.S. Management and the Executive of the M.F.N.P.A. with respect to salaries, benefits and disciplinary procedures.

Furthermore, the former Chief of Police, Frank H. McKay, was a founding member of the First Nations Chiefs of Police Association (F.N.C.P.A.) which was formed in 1992, at which time, he served as the first President.

The former Chief McKay's national vision and commitment has paid off. The F.N.C.P.A. started with eight (8) members from First Nations Police Services. Today, there are over fifty members and the Association continues to grow.

The primary objective of the F.N.C.P.A. is for stand-alone First Nations Police Services to work together on different projects, develop training and share information with one another. "Strength in Sharing" is the motto that the Association has adopted.

Dops Crime Prevention Co-ordinator

The D.O.P.S. Crime Prevention Co-ordinator was hired in the Spring of 2002 by the D.O.P.S. Police Commission in consultation with Chief of Police. Among the duties assigned by the Police Commission and the Chief of Police to the Crime Prevention Co-ordinator's attributes required of an individual filling the position are the following:

• ensure the intimate knowledge of, and strict adherence to, the provisions of the Dakota Ojibway Police Service Administration & Operations Policy Manual;
• establish and maintain a comprehensive community relations program which will include participating in ceremonial events and public speaking;
• be responsible for the Crime Prevention Program, including:
  • assisting in establishing committees and co-ordinating community crime prevention programs in the DOTC First Nation communities.
  • educate the committees to accept responsibility for this program;
  • assist in accessing resources and materials;
  • be responsible for the development of auxiliary and cadet programs and citizens on patrol.

Examples of DOPS Crime Prevention Events:

• Sandy Bay Volleyball - Summer 2002
• Sioux Valley Baseball - Summer 2002
• Sandy Bay Halloween Party - Winter 2002
• Brandon Golf Tournament - Summer 2002

DOPS Auxiliary Program

D.O.P.S implemented the auxiliary program in the fall of 2002. Two 2 day training sessions have taken place. Volunteer responsibilities of an Auxiliary Constable will be primarily in the areas of crime prevention and assistance to the Police. In addition, it is agreed that the Auxiliary Constable can provide limited assistance to Members of the Police Service in areas of operational policing, provided that these activities are appropriate for the level of skill, training, knowledge and authority granted to the Auxiliary Constable. An Auxiliary Constable has peace officer status only when accompanied by a Peace Officer recognized by the Province of Manitoba. With a minimum of 20 hours of auxiliary duties per month, and 2 days of training, volunteers will be appointed by the Province as an Auxiliary Constable.