OUR HISTORY
A COMMUNITY-LED APPROACH TO POLICING
Established in 1985, the Six Nations Police Service (SNPS) became Canada’s first stand-alone First Nations police service, marking a significant milestone in the history of Indigenous policing.
Prior to its establishment, policing at Six Nations of the Grand River was provided by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). The creation of SNPS marked a new chapter in community policing, providing Six Nations with a locally established police service led by members of the community. Built on the principles of accountability, community involvement, and public safety, SNPS laid the foundation for a policing approach shaped by the people it serves.
ESTABLISHED IN
1985
Canada’s first stand-alone First Nations police service.
Eight original Six Nations Police Service officers, 1985.
Top Row (L-R): Constables David Whitlow, Charlie Miller, Terry Martin, Ron Johnson
Bottom Row (L-R): Constable Richard Johnson, Chief Glenn Lickers, Constables Rocki Smith, Misty Anthony
BUILDING A FOUNDATION
LOCAL LEADERSHIP
AND COMMUNITY TRUST
The establishment of the Six Nations Police Service was spearheaded by Six Nations Band Council, with Glenn Lickers, a Six Nations community member and former RCMP officer, returning home to serve as the organization’s first Chief of Police.
The early years presented significant challenges. With limited resources and only two members possessing previous policing experience, the Service was built largely from the ground up. Its founding officers were recruited from within Six Nations, bringing a personal understanding of the community, its people, and its unique needs.
This community-based approach became a defining characteristic of SNPS, helping establish a foundation of local leadership, accountability, and community trust.
A STRONGER TOMORROW
GROWING WITH OUR COMMUNITY
Since its establishment in 1985, the Six Nations Police Service has continued to grow and evolve alongside the community it serves. What began as a small team of officers has developed into an established police service with expanded resources, capabilities, and responsibilities.
An important milestone in this growth was the opening of the Service’s original police station in 1988 on Veterans Lane, the current location of Six Nations Fire Station 1. As the organization continued to expand, so too did the need for a facility capable of supporting its operations and the changing needs of the community.
In 2011, the Six Nations Police Service opened its new police station at its current 4th Line location, marking another significant chapter in its history. The facility provided an improved space for policing operations, administration, and community engagement.
Today, SNPS continues to build on its history of community-led policing, adapting to new challenges while remaining committed to the safety and well-being of Six Nations of the Grand River.