The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to inform the community that during the duly convened Council meeting on October 13, 2026, it approved funding of $1,001,671 to launch the Kahnawà:ke Community Surveillance Team (KCST) as a one-year pilot project.
The KCST will operate under the direction of Public Safety/Security and in collaboration with the Kahnawà:ke Mohawk Peacekeepers (KMPK) as a community-based, non-enforcement program. Comprised of Kahnawákeró:non, the team will provide an additional set of eyes and ears throughout the Territory by conducting high-visibility patrols, documenting and reporting observations, and relaying relevant information to the KMPK when required.
“The safety and well-being of our community remains a top priority for the MCK, and this approval represents an investment in community safety,” said Public Safety Portfolio Lead Ratsénhaienhs Ryan Montour. “We are taking a strong step to increase visibility throughout the Territory and provide additional support to our existing Public Safety services.”
Looking ahead to the implementation of the program, Commissioner of Public Safety Lloyd Phillips emphasized the importance of establishing a strong foundation for the initiative, “While it will be a few months before community members begin seeing patrols in operation, the fund approval will allow us to finalize program details, recruit and train staff, and ensure the team is well prepared to carry out its mandate. The Community Surveillance Team will serve to enhance community awareness and support overall public safety. I am confident this initiative will be a positive addition to the services already in place and will help strengthen the community’s sense of security.”
The KCST is not a law-enforcement body and will not have the authority to arrest, detain, search, or confront individuals. Community members requiring police, fire, medical, or emergency assistance should continue to contact the appropriate emergency service, including the Kahnawà:ke Mohawk Peacekeepers.
The pilot project will create local employment opportunities through the recruitment and training of community patrollers and support staff. Information regarding recruitment, training, staffing levels, eligibility requirements, and the application process, will be shared once finalized.
Additional details regarding patrol operations, uniforms, identification, training, oversight, reporting procedures, and community feedback mechanisms will be communicated prior to implementation. The pilot project will be monitored and evaluated throughout its one-year term to help inform future decisions regarding its continuation.
