Akwesasne, NY - Members of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Commission attended the monthly tribal meeting held on March 7, 2015 to formally announce the new Chief of Police for the Tribal Police Department. Tribal Police Commission Chair John Ransom, Andy Cook and Rowena General were on hand to name Matt Rourke as the successful candidate. Chief of Police Matt Rourke is a lifelong resident of Akwesasne who has served as Acting Chief of Police since June 2014.
The Police Commission is comprised of five community members entrusted with the express role to oversee and manage the Tribal Police Department, as well as to ensure that any community issues are heard and responded to for the benefit of the Akwesasne community with integrity and confidentiality. Their authority is governed by the Police Commission Act. It is their goal to help make the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police the best tribal police department in the country, which currently operates with a full complement of 30 officers and civilian employees.
The national posting for the position went out in December 2014 with 12 highly qualified candidates applying for the position from Nevada, California, Arizona, New Jersey, Ontario, as well as Akwesasne. A total of 12 individuals applied for the position however, the highest scoring candidates were tribal members, with Rourke being the most qualified.
“My primary goal is to focus on public safety in the community,” noted Rourke. “In doing so, you will see a more active police force at community events and schools. We’re not reinventing the wheel; instead we are moving forward to help strengthen our community and communication.”
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Photo:
Members of the Tribal Police Commission appointed Matt Rourke as the new Chief of Police for the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police. Pictured from left, Andy Cook, John Ransom (Chairperson), Matt Rourke and Rowena General.
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