By Danielle Pitman, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, OrilliaMatters.com The Rama Police Service (RPS) is one of nine standalone First Nation police services in Ontario. Last November, the Anishinabek Nation declared a state of emergency over public safety due to a lack of funding and a rise in crime rates. It cited increases of drug trafficking, organized crime, and violent crimes targeting elders and youth, as well as a growing mental health and addictions emergency. “We see similar challenges when it comes to the influx of drugs in our community,” said Rama Police Chief Jerel Swamp. These severe crimes are often from outside sources, he explained. Crimes like drug trafficking stem from metropolitan areas and transfer to First Nations communities, where they then thrive. Fewer police officers and a greater geographical…
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