SASKATOON — The Saskatoon Police Service opted to withdraw from a scheduled event on Wednesday, Jan. 22, to help Pleasant Hill residents understand more about gangs operating in communities in the city. The SPS’ Guns & Gangs Unit were to be speaking on the “Learning About Gangs” event before organizers from the Pleasant Hills Community Association cancelled it due to reports of violent threats.
In a statement sent to SaskToday, the SPS said PHCA requested members of its Guns and Gangs Unit to speak but decided to cancel the discussion on how they operate after learning it would be open to the public since they would be sharing sensitive information.
“We understand that several months ago, a request was made for the SPS Guns & Gangs Unit to speak with Pleasant Hill Community Association members. Our Guns & Gangs Unit regularly engages with various partners and service agencies on these topics; however, the content of these discussions is not intended for the broader public,” said SPS in a statement.
“When we learned the meeting would be open to the public, we had to withdraw our participation. The information shared in these sessions often includes investigative details that cannot be disclosed publicly. Although last week’s meeting was cancelled, we remain in communication with the association and are working to reschedule for a later date.”
The statement added that they were unaware of any threats of violence to the meeting or those involved. PHCA, on its social media post, said threats of potential violence at the meeting were received hours before the scheduled event at the St. Mary’s School Gym. The event, set from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., was organized due to the growing concern of Pleasant Hill residents about gang activity and the recruitment of minors to join gangs. The SPS was invited to share about gangs and how they recruit new members, especially teenagers.
“The ‘Learning About Gangs’ event was cancelled Wednesday, Jan. 22, and we want to clarify some surrounding information. The [SPS] Guns and Gangs Unit cancelled [the] event because there were threats of potential violence at the meeting,” PHCA said on its social media page.
“The cancellation happened only a [few] hours before the event started, so our ability to gracefully redirect the meeting was limited. The Pleasant Hill Community Association's priority is everyone's safety in our community.”
PHCA added that, based on the majority of suggestions made by Pleasant Hill residents, they had contacted STR8 UP, which retired Catholic priest Fr. Andre Poilievre founded. STR8 UP works mainly with at-risk youth and gang members who want to leave illegal activities.
“We agree that there have been numerous suggestions for involving STR8 UP in these talks. Like you, we see their work's immense value and impact in our community. Because of this, the PHCA reached out to STR8 UP weeks ago, asking them to [present] on this topic in the following months and [invited] them,” said PHCA.
“The intention of the first presentation on gangs by SPS was to start a dialogue and allow people in the community, especially parents and those working with youth, to gain information about gangs in Pleasant Hill. From the many people looking forward to this event and the good work of STR8 UP, we have heard how important this topic is to our community. We hope to work with our community to find better ways to equip us all to be good neighbours to each other around this topic.”
PHCA advises interested Pleasant Hill residents who plan to join the discussion to email [email protected] so they can contact you.
