The Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service has launched its new Offender Management Program, an initiative the service says is designed to enhance community safety by supervising repeat, non-compliant, and high-risk offenders.
Police Chief Ron Gignac says the primary objective is to reduce both intangible and tangible costs of crime for the community.
He says the program is already proving successful with the service revealing eight cases where participants failed to comply, a 40% noncompliance rate.
Gignac says multiple individuals were arrested during those checks while arrest warrants are being sought for five others who remain non-compliant.
He adds the service will also be interacting with individuals enrolled in the program assisting with access to job programs, addictions and dependency support needs and other community programs.
Gignac says the program is in collaboration with the Manitoulin OPP and UCCM Police Service.
He says intangible costs includes victim pain and suffering or diminished quality of life within the community as well as tangible costs, such as those incurred when individuals engage in illegal activities instead of participating in the legitimate marketplace.
As part of the launch of the Offender Management Program, the service targeted a residence known for harboring chronic and repeat offenders, adds Gignac.
He provided an example
A CDSA search warrant was executed, leading to the discovery of 14 individuals inside.
Eleven were arrested on outstanding warrants, with several linked to other jurisdictions.
Among those arrested, four faced new charges related to drug trafficking and noncompliance with release orders.
Efforts were made to return eight offenders to their respective jurisdictions for warrant execution.
The operation also resulted in the seizure of cocaine valued at over $20,000, along with one firearm, several replica handguns, and a taser—further evidence of ongoing criminal activity within this location.
He adds it is crucial to note that every individual found in the residence was a repeat offender with prior criminal charges who had ignored their release conditions.
“This example highlights a troubling cycle of recidivism that must be addressed collaboratively by community members, justice officials, and police partners to enhance public safety and prevent its continuation.”
