PROVINCE-WIDE MISSING PERSONS TASK FORCE ANNOUNCED

The Government of Saskatchewan will invest nearly $2 million over the next three years to solve historical and current cases of missing persons in Saskatchewan, and enhance police and community responses to cases of missing persons.

"The issue of missing persons is a tragedy for families and communities across our province," Justice Minister Frank Quennell said. "Keeping Saskatchewan communities safe is a top priority of our government, and assisting law enforcement to investigate missing persons cases is an important part of this goal. I am confident that this initiative will help solve cases of missing persons and provide families with answers about their missing loved ones."

The task force will be made up of three distinct components working together to provide a comprehensive approach which will:

•provide increased resources for policing;

•develop a province-wide policy for the investigation of missing persons, in order to standardize how missing persons cases are reported and investigated; and

•strengthen the partnerships among government, police, Aboriginal and community groups to support families and communities to identify and respond to missing persons cases.

As part of the missing persons initiative, government will provide funding for six RCMP positions. Two positions will enhance the Violent Crime Analysis Section to identify suspects of predatory, serial and violent offences. Four investigators will be added to the historical crime unit to direct more resources to these investigations.

The Regina and Saskatoon police services will receive funding to hire one officer each to work on missing persons cases.

The Saskatchewan Police Commission will lead the development of a province-wide policy for the reporting and investigation of missing persons. This policy will be developed in consultation with police, Aboriginal leaders, communities and other agencies.

The government will bring together and mobilize provincial groups with experience or interest in the issue of missing persons, to provide support to the families and communities of missing persons, and develop information sharing networks.

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For More Information, Contact:

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