POLICE AMENDMENT ACT NOW IN FORCE

The Police Amendment Act, 2005, first introduced in the house in May 2005, came into force on April 1st, 2006.

"These amendments are important to the success of the justice system in Saskatchewan," Justice Minister Frank Quennell said. "These changes respond to the recommendations of the Stonechild Inquiry and the Commission on First Nations and Métis Peoples and Justice Reform."

Amendments to the Act establish the Public Complaints Commission and include changes to the public complaint investigation and decision processes. These changes come as the result of the work of a joint steering committee comprised of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, Métis Family and Community Justice Services, the Police Services of Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert, the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police, the Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers and Saskatchewan Justice. In addition, the Act requires that if a serious injury or death occurs while a person is in police custody or as a result of police actions, an investigation observer can be appointed from another police service or RCMP detachment to monitor the investigation.

The Act also implements the federal Uniform Cross Border Policing Act, providing new inter-provincial policing regulations, and authorizes the Lieutenant Governor to issue Commissions under the Great Seal of Saskatchewan to police officers receiving their first appointment to the ranks of inspector, superintendent, deputy chief or chief.

"This legislation recognizes and acts on the need for participation and co-operation, not only with police services in Saskatchewan, but also with out-of-province police services and First Nations and Métis communities," Quennell said.

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For More Information, Contact:

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