Latest news with #WTPS
CTV News
14-05-2025
- CTV News
Counterfeit money circulating on Manitoulin Island, police warn
The Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service (WTPS) is warning community members and local businesses about counterfeit money circulating in Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory. Police say fake $20, $50, and $100 bills have been found in the First Nation community located on Manitoulin Island. Counterfeit bills - Manitoulin Island The Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service warns of counterfeit $20, $50, and $100 bills – identified by darker colour, repeated serial numbers, and the word "COPY" on the back of them – circulating on Manitoulin Island. (Image sources: Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service/Facebook) In a video posted to social media, WTPS Cons. Raven Manitowabi outlined key differences between real and counterfeit bills. 'The counterfeit is a little darker and it's not clear, and the counterfeit will have the word 'COPY' below the number,' Manitowabi said. 'All of the serial numbers are all going to be the same.' She noted that fake $20 bills have serial numbers beginning with FLA. Other signs include inconsistent colouring, texture, and missing or unclear watermarks. WTPS advises the public to carefully inspect cash by checking watermarks, feeling the texture, and looking for unusual colouring. Anyone who encounters counterfeit money is urged to report it using the WTPS' new online non-emergency tool.
CTV News
14-05-2025
- CTV News
Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service introduces 24/7 online crime reporting system
The Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service (WTPS) has launched its new online reporting system, allowing residents to submit non-emergency incidents through a digital portal as part of a broader effort to enhance community safety and police responsiveness. Wiki police Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service say too many offenders in the community are failing to comply with release conditions and often end up reoffending. (Supplied/Wikwemikong Tribal Police) The platform, accessible 24/7 via the WTPS website, enables users to report suspicious activity or minor crimes without needing to call or visit the police station. Features include a user-friendly interface, dedicated staff to review submissions, and follow-up mechanisms to ensure cases are addressed. 'We call it 'Connect, Report and Protect,'' said the police service's Chief, Ron Gignac, in an interview with CTV News last week. 'Sometimes people feel more comfortable reporting things online, so we wanted to make sure that we weren't missing that data from online reporting or that information that we could receive to help us further our investigations.' The initiative aims to bridge gaps in community engagement, particularly among younger generations. 'I think it's going to capture the data we might be missing in certain cases because we all know that the younger generations tend to do things more online,' Gignac added. 'So I think we'll be able to build that capacity into the final phase of what we're trying to accomplish here, which is information sharing.' Const. Raven Manitowabi has been visiting local businesses and schools to promote the system, emphasizing its role in developing collaboration. Const. Raven Manitowabi - Article Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service Const. Raven Manitowabi Manitowabi has been visiting local businesses and schools to promote the the police service's new 24/7 online reporting system, emphasizing its role in developing collaboration in the community. (Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service/Facebook) 'If you see something, say something,' WTPS reiterated in a social media post. 'Together we can make our community safe and vibrant.' While the online tool is designed for non-emergencies, WTPS reminded residents that Crime Stoppers remains an option for confidential tips. The system is part of the force's commitment to transparency and proactive policing, ensuring residents have multiple ways to engage with law enforcement. The online reporting portal can be accessed at by clicking 'Online Reporting' at the top of the page. WPTS - Non-Emergency Online Reporting Tool - wings Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service has launched its new online reporting system, allowing residents to submit non-emergency incidents through a digital portal. The platform, accessible 24/7 via the WTPS website, enables users to report suspicious activity or minor crimes without needing to call or visit the police station. It features include a user-friendly interface, dedicated staff to review submissions, and follow-up mechanisms to ensure cases are addressed. (Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service/Facebook) With files from journalist Chelsea Papineau
CBC
14-02-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service to hire more officers, build station, under new funding agreement
Social Sharing An Indigenous police service in northeastern Ontario has signed a landmark agreement that it says will finally give it the resources to address urgent safety concerns in its community. Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service (WTPS) has signed a deal with the federal ministry of public safety and the solicitor general of Ontario that will recognize it as an essential service and provide long-term funding. The agreement will provide WTPS with $112 million dollars over 10 years. "This agreement is a paradigm shift for public safety in our community." said WTPS Chief, Ron Gignac, in a news release. He said it allows police to plan strategically for the long-term and invest in resources to improve public safety. He also says the funding will help increase uniform and civilian personnel from 40 to 72 positions. WTPS is also looking at expanding and upgrading existing facilities while planning takes place for a new station. Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory is located on the northeastern end of Manitoulin Island "Our government partners have been instrumental in finalizing this agreement," said Joseph Wabejijig, board president. "We thank them for their long-term investment and look forward to further supporting our community with enhanced capabilities." Last December, the Nishnawbe Aski Nation signed a $514 million funding agreement between the province and the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service Board to provide stable and enhanced funding for the communities it serves. NAPS provides policing for 34 First Nations across northern Ontario, 25 of which are remote. Its coverage area ranges from the Manitoba border and eastward up the James Bay coast over to the Quebec border. Historically, Indigenous police have been given short-term contracts under the First Nations and Inuit Policing Program that don't allow for them to invest in specialized units such as canine or drug units or allow them to own their own facilities. That matter is currently being argued by the Indigenous Police Chiefs of Ontario and Public Safety Canada before the Human Rights Tribunal.
