Kwanlin Dn First Nation hires safety officers to patrol streets

Yukon'sKwanlin Dn First Nationhas launched its new Community Safety Program, with two newly-hired community safety officers and a lands steward.

The community safety officers are meant tobe afirst point of contact for Kwanlin Dncitizens living in Whitehorse's McIntyre subdivision. They'llpatrol the streets and, on occasion, work with the RCMP, Whitehorse bylaw officers, or Yukonconservation officers.

"When critical incidents happen in our community, we hear from our citizens all the time. They are requesting patrols, they are requesting people to be out there in the community," saidKwanlinDn chiefDoris Bill.

"We hope this gives them the sense of security that they are seeking."

The safety officers will not carry firearms, but will have protective gear including a stab-proof vest with bullet-resistant plates.

KwanlinDn'sacting justice director,GinaNagano,says the training for the new safety officers was intense.

"We partnered with theJustice Institute of British Columbia and developed a five week curriculum training program,"Naganosaid.

She says some of the training focused ondealing with hostility andconflictresolution. There was alsoFirstAid training.

The lands steward will monitortheFirst Nation's traditional lands, and workwith conservation officers. They will also educate both citizens and visitors about the use and respect for the land.

Violence and drug-related crime

KwanlinDn has seen its share of violenceand drug-related crime.According to the First Nation, RCMPwere called to the McIntyre subdivision more than800 times in 2015 for drug and alcohol-related offences.

In April, two women were found dead in a home in the neighbourhood. Police said the womenwere victims of homicide, but the investigation continues with nobody in custody.

The new safety officer programisa pilot projectand part of the larger Community Safety Initiative thatthe First Nation developed in 2015. It's been implementedin stages.

In May 2016,the Yukon government contributed $1.4 million over three years to the program.

"The security and safety of our community is a priority for our citizens and Kwanlin Dn leadership," Chief Bill said in a news release.

"The safety officers and land steward will play an important part in the security and safety of our people, our community and our lands."