POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMISSION TO BE ESTABLISHED

Legislation that will make changes to the way police complaints are handled was given second reading in the Saskatchewan legislature today.

The Police Amendment Act, 2005, includes a new public complaints model that will operate under the direction of a five-person Public Complaints Commission.

"The composition of the Public Complaints Commission is crucial to improving public confidence in the complaints process," Justice Minister Frank Quennell said. "The Bill specifically requires the Public Complaints Commission to include First Nations and Métis representation at both the Commission and investigator levels."

The Public Complaints Commission will have direct control over the investigation into any public police complaint, including criminal matters. The Commission will be able to complete an investigation into a criminal allegation against a member or chief of police even after that member or chief resigns.

The Bill also includes a new requirement that, where a death or serious injury has occurred while a person was in police custody or as a result of a police action, the municipal police service or RCMP detachment concerned will be required to consult with the Deputy Minister of Justice. The Deputy Minister would then appoint an investigation observer from another police service or RCMP detachment to monitor the investigation and report back.

Another amendment provides for the implementation of rules respecting cross border policing. These new rules would apply in cases where an out-of-province police officer needs to continue an investigation in Saskatchewan or when a Saskatchewan police officer must leave the province for similar reasons.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

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