Employment Opportunity

The Neyaashiinigmiing First Nation Police Service is actively seeking qualified candidates for the Position of First Nation Police Constable. Both non-experienced recruit and experienced officer applications are being accepted and considered.

See the Employment page for more information about this and other opportunities.

Watch Out For Gift Card Scams

Nawash Police Services are advising members to be aware of a number of gift card scams targeting the unaware.

In these sorts of scams, the victim is often contacted by someone claiming to be with a government agency, or a lawyer, and threatens the victim with heavy penalties or legal trouble if fake outstanding debts aren’t paid.  In other versions, the scammer is someone the victim met online and trusts, who then claims to urgently need money. In yet another version, the scammer claims to be working with the company selling the gift cards, as a secret shopper reviewing the business.

In every version of the gift card scam, victims are told to purchase gift cards and give the unique codes on the backs of the cards to the scammers, either by typing them in, or sending pictures. The scammers can then redeem the gift cards online, just using the unique codes from the backs of the gift cards. Scammers will use the value to immediately purchase expensive items for themselves, which they resell for real money.

Legitimate companies and agencies will NEVER ask for or accept gift cards as payment.  NEVER purchase a gift card for anyone that you do not know personally.

If you are contacted by any stranger demanding or asking that you purchase a gift card, take down the person’s details, including the phone number they are calling from, and report the incident to the police.

The Better Business Bureau has issued a detailed report on gift card scams that you can read here.

Spring Driving Tips

Driving Safety

With the early signs of Spring weather approaching and drier road conditions, there is a tendency for driving speeds to increase within the community. The warmer weather also brings an increase of pedestrians of all ages on our roadways, including children and elders using slow moving mobility scooters.

It is especially important to reduce speeds in poor road and lighting conditions. Be mindful of pedestrians walking along the roadway, who can be difficult to see. Cyclist and pedestrians are encouraged to have portable lights and wear bright clothing or reflective markings after dark.

The absence of sidewalks in the community presents an increased safety risk. Be alert and drive responsibly for the safety of yourself and others.

Speeding. What’s It Worth To You?

Even modest speed decreases can significantly reduce your risk of a collision or loss of control.  It is estimated that the required stopping distance at 50 km/hr can be 12-14 metres shorter than at 60 km/hr. Your stopping distance increases with higher speeds as well as poor road conditions such as snow, rain or even gravel. Speeding also hits your pocketbook. It increases your fuel consumption, brake and tire wear as well as other mechanical components of your vehicle.

The Highway Traffic Act of Ontario governs the rules of the road, including speeding, and it is enforceable within Neyaashiinigmiing. Our police officers will be conducting increased radar enforcement within the community in an effort to reduce speeding and increase the safety of our roadways. A speeding ticket fine for going 20 km/h over the speed limit is $95.00, plus three demerit points and an increase in your auto insurance rate.

Other Penalties You May Not Know

  • Speeding tickets have penalties that can last for 3 years or more.
  • Insurance rates – Each conviction increases insurance rates!
    • 1st speeding conviction: 10% increase
    • 2nd speeding conviction: 25% increase
    • 3rd speeding conviction: 100% increase
  • Demerit points
    • Speeding tickets over 15 km/hr have demerit points
    • Accumulating demerits causes licence suspensions
  • Employment
    • Many employers have restrictions for convictions and driving records
  • Suspensions
    • For novice drivers (G1 and G2 Drivers), any ticket for 30 km/hr or more over the limit has a 30 day licence suspension

Stunt Driving

Section 172 of the Highway Traffic Act sets out the offences of Stunt Driving/Racing. Offences under this section include any operation of a vehicle 50 km/hr or more above the speed limit. This offence carries serious immediate penalties, including an immediate 7-day driver’s licence suspension and 7-day vehicle impoundment at the owners/drivers expense. If convicted, you may face a fine of $2000 to $10,000, including any additional term of licence suspension.

Let’s all make an effort to be respectful and courteous of everyone using the roadways. Responsible driving starts with you. Slow down and be safe.

Vince Wurfel
Supervisor
Neyaashiinigmiing First Nation Police

Employment Opportunity – Police Supervisor

The Neyaashiinigmiing First Nation Police Service is seeking a qualified Professional Police Officer/Supervisor. Applicants must be an experienced officer with the required skills and knowledge to fulfill a leadership role within the Neyaashiinigmiing Police Service, be able to provide operational supervision of personnel, and perform administrative and other operational duties as assigned.

Visit the Employment page for more information about this and other opportunities.

Safe Winter Driving Tips

Driving during winter weather and road conditions requires extra caution and preparedness to increase your safety and minimize risk. Following a few basic tips will help you and your passengers arrive safely at your destination.

Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter

  • Install four winter tires on your vehicle. The tread design and rubber compound of a winter tire differs from all-season tires,  improving traction and reducing stopping distance on snow and ice.
  • Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained. Ensure your windshield wipers are in good condition. Wipers designed for winter are best. Keep the washer fluid reservoir adequately filled with winter washer fluid.
  • Try to keep your gas tank at least half full at all times.
  • Keep an emergency winter kit in your vehicle. Some useful items include, blanket, winter clothing, booster cables, portable shovel, flashlight, and a non-perishable emergency food supply ( nuts, dried fruit and protein bars work well).

Winter Driving

  • Adjust your driving according to road and weather conditions. Slow down and allow greater stopping distances. Give yourself extra time to reach your destination.
  • Avoid quick acceleration, hard braking and abrupt turns. All of these actions risk the loss of traction and steering control.
  • Before driving, take time to properly defrost and clean your vehicle of snow including headlights and tail lights. You will see better and others will see you better.
  • Drive with your headlights and tail lights on at all times. (Daytime running lights will not illuminate tail lights on most vehicle models).
  • Watch for snow plows, sanders and other road maintenance equipment. Give them space to safely perform their jobs.
  • Obey closed road signs. Roads are closed for your safety. Travelling on closed roadways may also void your vehicle insurance coverage.
  • The safest option is to avoid travel during poor weather and road conditions unless absolutely necessary.

Enjoy a safe and happy holiday!

Vince Wurfel, Supervisor
Neyaashiinigmiing First Nation Police

OPP Investigation Ongoing into Untimely Death

There is No Risk to Public Safety

Neyaashiinigmiing, ON
November 5, 2020

To all Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation Members:

On Monday, November 2, 2020, our community suffered another tragic loss with the untimely death of Ericka Ashkewe-Jones, age 30.

The Neyaashiinigmiing Police Service and Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were called to a home on Nayaushing Road, Neyaashiinigmiing to respond to a report of a person without vital signs. Ms. Ashkewe-Jones was attended to by the Chippewas of Nawash Fire Department and Bruce County Paramedic services but sadly pronounced dead. 

We grieve the passing of Ms. Ashkewe-Jones and share the sorrow of the entire community at a young life taken from us too soon. Our hearts go out to her family and loved ones in this terrible time.

Due to the nature and circumstances of the incident, the OPP Criminal Investigations Branch is conducting an in-depth investigation to determine more details about the cause and manner of Ms. Ashkewe-Jones’ death. The OPP will be in the community for at least two more days conducting their investigation. We will not hear results for several months. Each investigation is unique and we fully expect the police services to take the time necessary to perform a thorough and professional investigation. 

The Council, the Neyaashiinigmiing Police Service and the OPP want to assure the public that there is no risk to public safety. This was an unfortunate and isolated event and there is no threat to community residents.

At this time, let us draw together as a community to respect Ms. Ashkewe-Jones’ memory, to grieve, and to show support for her family. We ask that residents and members refrain from speculation regarding Ms. Ashkewe-Jones’ passing. We will share more information as it becomes available.

All our relations,

Chief Greg Nadjiwon, and the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation Council

Employment Opportunity: Police Constable Recruit

The Rama Police Service is a progressive, community-oriented police service seeking to identify the best candidate to serve the Rama First Nation residents, employees and visitors. This position offers the successful candidate the opportunity to receive basic constable training at the Ontario Police College under a term contract that will prepare them for a long and rewarding career in law enforcement. Applications close October 30, 2020.

Read full posting for more details. Visit the Employment Opportunities page to see this and many other available jobs.