SASKATOON CRIME REDUCTION STRATEGY ANNOUNCED

Phase one of the Saskatoon Crime Reduction Strategy was launched today to reduce crime and enhance public safety in Saskatoon. The first phase will focus on reducing Break and Enters.

"Keeping communities safe is a top priority of this government, and this strategy will help us to continue achieving this vitally important objective," Justice Minister Frank Quennell said.

"Both the Departments of Corrections and Public Safety and Justice are working in partnership with communities and organizations to provide effective interventions to decrease offending," Corrections and Public Safety Minister Peter Prebble said. "This strategy will reduce offending by utilizing targeted, integrated approaches and effective early interventions."

"Saskatoon residents have made is clear that they feel most vulnerable to property crimes and want a solution. We have heard those concerns and are now taking action to resolve these issues," Quennell said.

Saskatchewan Justice provided funding in the 2003-2004 budget for two new members for the Saskatoon Police Service Serious Habitual Offenders Comprehensive Action Program (SHOCAP). These officers will now be dedicated to the Break and Enter Comprehensive Action Program (BECAP).

Saskatchewan Corrections and Public Safety will support the strategy through both Young Offender and Adult Corrections Programming. Beginning this year, an estimated $150,000 will support one staff position and a contract with the Saskatoon Tribal Council for a targeted young offenders alternative measures program. This program will be modeled after the success of the Help Eliminate Auto Theft (HEAT) program in Regina, but will focus on first and second time break and enter offenders. Saskatoon Community Corrections (Adult Corrections) will receive two probation officers to manage target offenders.

"Corrections and Public Safety is a proud partner in this strategy and we are pleased to contribute resources that will help it to achieve its objectives," Prebble said.

This new strategy was developed in partnership with Saskatchewan Justice, Saskatchewan Corrections and Public Safety, the Saskatoon Police Service, the City of Saskatoon, the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan, SGI, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, and the Saskatoon Tribal Council. All partners involved in the strategy will continue to work together during implementation.

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For More Information, Contact:

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