Structure of Police Services in First Nation Communities

First Nation Community Policing Service

In 2014, the federal and provincial government signed a revised Framework Agreement for RCMP First Nations Community Policing Service in British Columbia.

The framework allows Canada, British Columbia, a First Nation community or a group of First Nations communities to enter a Community Tripartite Agreement for RCMP First Nations Community Policing Service.

Under a Community Tripartite Agreement, British Columbia pays 48 percent of policing costs and Canada pays 52 percent.

In 2014, the First Nations Community Policing Service had an authorized strength of 108.5 officers to provide enhanced policing services to approximately 130 First Nation communities in B.C. through 55 Community Tripartite Agreements.

Integrated Units

A policing agreement between the province, the District of West Vancouver and the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh (Tslay-wa-tooth) First Nations created the RCMP and West Vancouver Police Department integrated First Nations policing unit. The agreement covers reserve lands located in North Vancouver, West Vancouver and the Squamish Valley.

Additionally, a policing agreement between Canada, the province, the Corporation of Delta and the Tsawwassen First Nation sees the Delta Police Department deliver enhanced policing to the Tsawwassen First Nation.

First Nations Administered Police Services

The Stl'atl'imx (Stat-la-mick) Tribal Police Service is the only First Nations administered police service in British Columbia. The Stl'atl'imx Tribal Police Service is a designated policing unit under the Police Act. Its structure is modeled on an independent municipal police department.

For more information on the Stl'atl'imx Tribal Police Service, see our First Nations Policing page.