SASKATOON CRIME REDUCTION STRATEGY MAKING PROGRESS

The Saskatoon Crime Reduction Strategy has been effective in reducing crime and enhancing public safety in Saskatoon. This strategy was announced in June 2004, with an initial focus on a high incidence of break and enter offences.

Since the Saskatoon crime reduction strategy was announced, the number of break and enter offences has decreased more than 25 per cent, compared to the same period in 2003-04.

"This strategy is helping us to continue achieving a vitally important objective," Justice Minister Frank Quennell said. "I assure you that keeping communities safe is a top priority of this government."

"Providing interventions that help decrease crime in Saskatoon is very important to both the Department of Corrections and Public Safety and the Justice department," Corrections and Public Safety Minister Peter Prebble said. "We're pleased to work in partnership with police, the Aboriginal community and other organizations to do that. Consequently, this strategy uses targeted, integrated approaches along with effective early intervention to help reduce crime."

Forty offenders – 20 youth and 20 adults – have been identified as chronic break and enter offenders. Police and Corrections and Public Safety workers will closely monitor these offenders while they are in the community, to ensure they comply with all court-ordered restrictions.

Saskatchewan Justice provided funding in the 2003-04 budget for two new members for the Saskatoon Police Service Serious Habitual Offenders Comprehensive Action Program (SHOCAP). Corrections and Public Safety funded a young offender supervisor position, two youth worker positions and two adult probation workers assigned to the strategy.

SGI is funding half of the strategy co-ordinator's position for two years. Saskatoon Police Service and Corrections and Public Safety are each funding 25 per cent of the position.

The crime reduction strategy was developed in partnership with Saskatchewan Justice, Saskatchewan Corrections and Public Safety, the Saskatoon Police Service, the City of Saskatoon, SGI and the Saskatoon Tribal Council.

The provincial government now has targeted crime reduction strategies in place to address the specific needs of Regina, Saskatoon and North Battleford.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Andrew Dinsmore Justice Regina Phone: (306) 787-8606