Nishnawbe Aski Police Service’s chief suspended over misconduct allegations

The board of directors for the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) has suspended police Chief Roland Morrison over allegations of misconduct.

Fabian Batiste, the board liaison, confirmed to CBC News by phone that Morrison was suspended with pay on Thursday pending the results of an independent investigation.

Deputy Chief Brad Duce will serve as acting chief until an interim chief is appointed for the remainder of the investigation.

"Acting Chief Duce has had a longstanding and respected career with NAPS," said a news release issued Friday by the NAPS, which serves 34 First Nations across northern Ontario.

"The board thanks him for accepting this role at this time. To protect the integrity of the investigation, no further comment will be made at this time."

The board did not specify the nature of the allegations against Morrison.

Morrison, a member of Chapleau Cree First Nation, was appointed police chief in April 2019 after rising through the ranks of the service. He was born and raised in Moose Factory, Ont.

Before his full-time appointment, Morrison spent six years as deputy chief of police and became acting chief in September 2018 following the retirement of Terry Armstrong.

According to Nishnawbe Aski Nation, NAPS is the largest First Nation police service in Canada and the second largest First Nation police service in North America.