First Nations policing

Last updated on March 5, 2021

The province provides policing services in First Nations communities in rural areas or in First Nations communities in municipalities with populations up to 5,000. Municipalities with populations greater than 5,000 provide policing to First Nations located in their boundaries.

The Stl'atl'imx (Stat-la-mic) Tribal Police Service is the only First Nations administered police force in British Columbia. The Stl'atl'imx Tribal Police Service is a designated policing unit under the Police Act. It is like an independent municipal police department, and has a police board comprised of community members.

Stl'atl'imx police are experienced officers or graduates of the Justice Institute of British Columbia. Its officers are appointed under the Police Act.

The First Nations Community Policing Services (FNCPS) program provides many First Nations communities across the province with police services. This enhanced local police service is provided by additional RCMP members who are familiar with First Nations’ cultures and traditions.

See First Nations Policing for more information.