Distracted Driving

Drivers might want to think twice about picking up that smart phone while they are behind the wheel. Fine and penalties have been increased for drivers who text, email or use a handheld phone. Under new legislation, fi nes have jumped considerably. There is a signifi cant increase from the previous fines. Use of handheld electronics while driving has been outlawed since 2009, with the exception of emergency calls to 911. Surveys have been conducted and a number of recent studies revealed that distracted drivers are four times more likely to be in a crash.

Criminal Investigations Unit

The Criminal Investigations Unit is responsible for investigating major criminal cases. These include the more serious, complex or multi-jurisdictional cases. This unit employs the province’s Major Case Management System. This system is a case management methodology that emphasizes accountability and a multi-disciplinary approach to investigations of defi ned major offences. With the associated software it assists in ensuring that major case investigations are focused, methodically controlled and audited throughout the life of the investigation. The officers assigned to the Criminal Investigations Unit have the required investigative experience. They are also required to successfully complete specialized training that includes: General Investigative Techniques, Investigative Offenses Against Children, Investigative Interviewing Techniques, Major Case Management, Search Warrants, Sexual Assault Investigations. Offi cers assigned to this unit must have knowledge, skills and abilities to gather evidence, take witness statements, interview witnesses and suspects, write search warrants and manage case loads with little supervision. Not every occurrence is considered a major case but still requires a thorough investigation. To that end our Criminal Investigators routinely assist our front line offi cers with the investigation of major vehicle accidents, sexual related offences, domestic violence, assaults, robberies and drug offences.

Use of Force

Officers may be required in the course of their duties to use force to protect the public and themselves. While the criminal code grants police this authority, officers are also accountable to use the appropriate level of force necessary. All sworn officers must submit a “Use of Force” report in the following situations:

  1. Firearm is drawn in public.
  2. Firearm is discharged (other than for training).
  3. Impact weapon, other than fi rearm is used on individual.
  4. Aerosol weapon (OC spray) is used on an individual.
  5. A Conducted Energy Weapon (C.E.W. TASER) is utilized in the arrest of a subject.
  6. Empty hand techniques are used on an individual and results in an injury requiring medical attention.
Ontario Public-Police Interactions Training Aid (2023) graphic

Use of Force Training

Annual Use of Force and fi rearms training is mandatory for all sworn officers. Use of Force and Firearms re-qualifi cation is conducted by Six Nations Police Acting Deputy Chief of Police Timothy Bomberry and Detective/Constable Michael Anderson. Both of these offi cers are certified to provide re-qualifi cation training anywhere in the province.

High Risk Committee

The Six Nations Police Service chairs the Six Nations High Risk Committee. This committee was developed to reduce the incidents of High Risk Violence and abuse within the community by recommending the promotion of community prevention and intervention changes. Participation on the committee strengthens on-going partnerships with all community agencies in order to enhance community safety in high risk situations. The safety and protection of community members is the paramount consideration of the High Risk Committee.

Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO’S)

SOCO’S are a group of front line offi cers specifically trained in the collection of evidence and photography. While SOCO’S are not fully trained forensic identifi cation officers, they are trained to provide a primary response at most minor crime scenes. This response would include fingerprinting, photography, and gathering physical evidence, which includes blood, hair and footprint evidence. At serious crime scenes, the Six Nations Police Service calls in the assistance of the Ontario Provincial Police’s Forensic Ident unit.

Residential School Investigation

The Six Nations Police initiated a joint forces investigation into the atrocities children endured while in attendance at the Mohawk Institute residential school. Six Nations Police along with the OPP and Brantford Police Service have a combined team of Criminal Investigators that have been assigned to direct their full attention into this investigation. A logo was designed to pay respect to the “Every Child Matters” message, in order to become more visible in the community and to have the community understand that the service is here to engage and support. The Six Nations Police Service has utilized this logo and dressed its Community Services Vehicle to remind the community and general public to remember those children who did not come home from the institute. Various community agencies have requested the vehicle be showcased to raise awareness of the inter-generational trauma our community people still face yet today.