Resolutions

Whereas policing in remote and northern communities is difficult due to the vast area with scattered population; and

Whereas some communities pay for enhanced policing with the commitment of 80% expanded policing within municipal boundaries; and

Whereas these additional resources provided by municipalities are used for surrounding areas; and

Therefore be it resolved that SUMA advocate the provincial Ministry of Corrections, Policing, and Public Safety to enforce enhanced policing agreements, develop policy requiring the RCMP to adhere to specifications in the contract regarding the allotted amount of time policing occurs within municipal boundaries, and provide additional police officers for outlying areas; and

Be it further resolved that SUMA advocate the ministries of Justice and Corrections, Policing and Public Safety to review of enhanced policing agreements, so that they may more accurately reflect the actual availability of police to northern and remote communities.

ACTS AFFECTED: None

REGION/SECTOR AFFECTED: All

May 19, 2022                                                                         Ref: 2022-85

Randy Goulden

President, Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association 

Dear Randy Goulden:

Thank you for your recent letter regarding the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) resolutions adopted at the spring convention. Let me begin by expressing the value I place on our relationship and partnership relative to the complexities of community safety and overall policing in the province.

Resolution 2022-13 Enhanced Policing Agreements

Enhanced Policing Agreements exist between RCMP "F" Division and a municipality. The Enhanced Policing Agreement states that any unresolved issues between the municipality and the Detachment Commander shall be referred to the representatives for resolution pursuant to Article 6.1. Ministry representatives facilitate these meetings as requested by the parties,

The agreement states that the detachment commander or designate will provide the municipality with a quarterly activity/statistical report. Statistics are to include the number of prosecutions, prosecution/court time costs, expense and revenue summaries, location and type of occurrences, and general activity overviews. The agreement has options for opting out of the agreement by providing the Solicitor General with written notice one year prior to the desired termination date.

As requested in the resolution, it would be inappropriate for the ministry to enforce enhanced policing agreements, develop policy requiring the RCMP to adhere to specifications in the contract regarding the allotted time policing occurs within municipal boundaries, and provide additional police officers for outlying areas. It would also be inappropriate for the ministry to review enhanced policing agreements so that they may more accurately reflect the actual availability of police to northern and remote communities.

I trust this information fully responds to your inquiry. If you have additional questions, please contact Rae Gallivan, Executive Director, Policing and Community Safety Services at 306-787-3572 or email at rae.gallivan@gov.sk.ca.

Sincerely,

            Christine Tell, Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety

cc:       Gordon Wyant, Q.C., Minister of Justice and Attorney General

Dale Larsen, Deputy Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety

Rob Cameron, Assistant Deputy Minister, Policing and Community Safety Services

Rae Gallivan, Executive Director, Policing and Community Safety Services

Jean-Marc Nadeau, Executive Director, SUMA