REGINA — Saskatchewan has announced that two new initiatives are coming to the province to target reoffending by high-risk offenders.
The province is creating a Warrant and Enforcement Team, to focus primarily on monitoring high-profile offenders with outstanding warrants or who are in violation of court-ordered conditions.
Police will also have access to a new Electronic Monitoring Global Positioning System, explained as a network of satellites that will allow police to keep tabs on offenders’ movements and identify if or when they violate geographical constraints.
"These two new initiatives represent a significant improvement to how Saskatchewan enforces warrants and monitors high-profile offenders," said Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Christine Tell.
The initiatives were previously mentioned in the Throne Speech, delivered by Lieutenant-Governor Russ Mirasty on Oct. 27 at the opening of the legislative session, as part of a commitment to improve policing and public safety.
Based in Saskatoon and Meadow Lake, WEST will work collaboratively with RCMP and municipal police services. The team will consist of eight RCMP officers, one criminal analyst and one administrative support individual.
"These measures combine enforcement and prevention to ensure the safety of our citizens and prevent high-profile offenders from committing additional crimes,” said Tell.
The province will be providing $370,000 in initial funding for WEST in 2021-22, followed by an annual commitment of $1.6 million each year.
The EM GPS program will receive an initial $673,000, with an annual provision of $1.3 million each year.
