PUBLIC NOTIFICATION WEB SITE LAUNCHED IN SASKATCHEWAN

The Government of Saskatchewan launched a new website today that will bring together information from throughout the province about high risk offenders.

"Keeping communities safe is a top priority of this Government, and this website will help the public access the information they need to protect themselves and their families," Justice Minister Frank Quennell said.

"An informed public is in a better position to make decisions about their personal safety and that of their families and friends," Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police President Terry Coleman said. "This website will contribute to that."

When a Saskatchewan police agency believes that a convicted offender is a high risk to re-offend and that the public should be warned about him or her, it may decide to issue a public disclosure. Public disclosures provide the offender's name, a recent photograph and background information. The disclosure encourages members of the public to take reasonable steps to ensure their safety. These web pages display offender information that has already been made public through the police disclosure process, and are an additional way to notify the public about high risk offenders.

Only the most serious offenders, who are deemed to present a risk of significant harm are included on the website. The public must continue to be vigilant and use common sense to ensure their personal safety.

The public notification website can be found at www.saskjustice.gov.sk.ca/publicnotification/publicnotification1.shtml.

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For More Information, Contact:

Andrew Dinsmore Justice Regina Phone: 306-787-8606