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Lacrosse investigation (Continued from front page) up and let them decide." But the executive's decision to launch an internal investigation won't stop an ongoing investigation into the matter by local police, Six Nations Police Public Relations Officer Arnold Jacobs said Tuesday. Jacobs confirmed a criminal investigation is indeed in motion, despite claims to the contrary made by some members of the former executive at the Jan. 22 meeting. "The investigation is continuing," said Jacobs. "It was set in motion by the former executive, and unless we are formally notified by the new executive to do otherwise, it will continue." He said the police's investigation, however, hinges upon information that will come out through Minor Lacrosse's internal investigation. If the executive puts the decision on pressing charges to a public vote, and the decision is made not to press charges, the new executive will be required to formally notify Six Nations Police in writing that they will not pursue the matter, according to Jacobs. If, however, charges are to be sought against Staats, the executive will need only to forward their internal findings to police for the criminal investigation to proceed. The internal investigation is one of the new initiatives the 2002 executive is pursuing to foster greater trust and transparency within the organization, said Thomas. "The first thing that has to be done is to make sure [the books] are up-to-date, because they're a mess right now, a total mess." Apart from the $25,000 tied to the investigation, the association owes Six Nations Parks and Recreation an outstanding $20,000 in used floor time. Six Nations Minor Lacrosse also ran a $5,007.14 deficit in 2001. "The second thing is that if there are any dealings with money that we will ensure that people sign off for it." "We've also implemented a new clause in the constitution this year stating that the president would ensure that an audit be completed annually." Thomas says the executive has asked Six Nations Financial Controller Debra (Bedge) Vyse to help implement a new system of "checks and balances" in the organization. "She can't really commit herself to sit on [the finance committee] but we've asked her to put down in writing some of her thoughts in terms of control measures." In addition to addressing financial concerns, Thomas says the new executive is looking to pursue partnerships with organizations such as the local Arrows and Chiefs lacrosse teams to help promote the positive image of the sport on the reserve.