Troy Cooper to serve as safety lead for Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation

A Saskatchewan First Nation has tapped the former police chief for Saskatoon and Prince Albert to lead its community safety plan.

Troy Cooper, who retired from his role as Saskatoon’s top cop in December, will join the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation (PBCN) as its community safety lead.

Cooper brings three decades of law-enforcement experience to the role, which will see him acting as an advisor on safety issues to the nation and its leaders. He will also “oversee community safety engagement, develop a community-based interagency model, and establish comprehensive safety plans,” the nation explained in a release.

“Bringing Troy Cooper on board is a pivotal step in our efforts to confront the serious issues of drugs, gangs, and violence within our communities,” Chief Karen Bird said in a statement.

“His extensive policing background provides the insights and expertise we need to navigate our community toward a safer, more secure future.”

Cooper said his new role will involve tackling immediate issues while working to build a safer future.

“It’s a privilege to engage with PBCN at this critical junction,” Cooper said in a statement.

“I am dedicated to addressing the immediate safety challenges at hand and to building a foundation for lasting community protection. Our joint efforts will focus on proactive, community-driven safety strategies that will protect our communities now and ensure their resilience for the future.”

PBCN has more than 12,000 members across nine communities including Birch Portage, Denare Beach, Deschambault Lake, Kinoosao, Pelican Narrows, Prince Albert, Sandy Bay, Southend and Sturgeon Landing.