Letter to Editor - Indian Time

Letter to Editor - Indian Time

The Saint Regis Mohawk Community can be justly proud of the men and women who protect them 24/7 in the Tribal Police Department. I have been honored to work with them, having been hired by then Chief Paul Thompson. I have witnessed first-hand under the leadership of Police Chief Matt Rourke and the Police Commission how the department has come from being unknown, except in the local area, into national recognition by the International Association of Chiefs of Police with worldwide membership.

The selection and training of the members of this department pays huge dividends in the professionalism and compassion they exhibit daily responding to situations in the community.

The primary mission of every police officer who carries a badge, is to keep residents of the community they are responsible for safe. Your department excels in this task. Police work is all encompassing and one of the most stressful occupations requiring special individuals to perform the tasks demanded of them. Your Tribal PD is made up of these individuals.

My job as police consultant was to work with department members and provide guidance whenever possible based upon my over forty years of law enforcement experience. I am proud to say that the department has excelled in all areas deserving of the recognition and praise they receive from the entire law enforcement community.

Selection and training are the cornerstones of any law enforcement agency. Your department starts with the very best candidates and then trains them on a continuing basis resulting in the very professional department that serves you today. The members of the Tribal Council have been fully supportive of all the efforts aimed at improving law enforcement services in their community.

Most recently, the S.R.M. Tribal Police Department was added to the list of departments eligible to receive accreditation from the New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services. The Community can thank your friends Senator Betty Little and Assemblyman Billy Jones for introducing the bills in the State Legislature that made this happen. For a police department to be accredited it must meet very high standards and maintain them. This is a process that will require considerable work on the part of department members and they are up for the task.

A special note of thanks to Chief Paul Thompson who has provided me with his wisdom and guidance during my tenure. Also, Rowena General, Chairperson, S.R.M. Tribal Police Commission for her strong leadership of the Commission and to Commission members Rena Snow, Andy Cook, Rudy Hart and John Ransom, it has been my honor and privilege to work with all of you.

Sincerely,

Leigh F. Hunt