Nishnawbe Aski Police Service's chief terminated following misconduct investigation

The board of directors of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) has officially terminated police chief Roland Morrison.

Morrison was suspended with pay by the board on March 7, pending the results of an independent investigation.

"Following the conclusion of that investigation, the NAPS board of directors has made the decision to terminate Roland Morrison's employment with NAPS, effective immediately," the board said in a statement issued late Friday afternoon.

NAPS serves 34 First Nations across northern Ontario. According to Nishnawbe Aski Nation, it is the largest First Nation police service in Canada and the second largest First Nation police service in North America.

Terry Armstrong, who has served as interim police chief since March, will continue in his role "as the board navigates this transition."

Armstrong previously served as the NAPS chief of police between 2013 and 2018 before he retired.

"The board has full confidence in Chief Armstrong and wishes to thank him for accepting this role during this time," says the board's statement. "No further comment regarding the termination of Roland Morrison will be made at this time."

Morrison is a member of Chapleau Cree First Nation who was born and raised in Moose Factory, Ont. He spent six years as deputy chief of police and became acting chief in September 2018 before being appointed police chief in April 2019.

The board has not specified the nature of the allegations against Morrison that led to his suspension and subsequent termination.