Sask. Marshals have arrested over 100 fugitives in P.A. this year

“I’m a true believer that collaboration is the strongest way to do policing. It doesn’t matter which organization you are, but without collaboration in law enforcement, without relationships in law enforcement, you don’t succeed.”

After the events of Sept. 4, 2022, on James Smith Cree Nation, the Marshals identified 7,000 active warrants in the province and estimated that number could be doubled after speaking with other First Nations chiefs. Cameron said one of those people among the wanted names was the perpetrator of the attacks, Myles Sanderson, which emphasized the importance of cracking down on outstanding warrants.

“At one point, there were 7,000 active warrants; Those were 7,000 people up there. You look at the tragedy of James Smith, remember that was an individual that was wanted. That was an individual with an extensive criminal record that was out wanted on a parole violation, and that individual became one of the most prolific serial killers in Canada. That brings home why this is so important to do and how this will benefit [people] inside of Prince Albert and all areas of Saskatchewan.”

When asked if he’s satisfied with the work that the Marshals are doing in the city and surrounding area, Prince Albert Police Chief Patrick Nogier said there are a lot of aspects to be considered.

“At the end of the day, we have to recognize the fact that they are a new organization that is still trying to determine exactly what their operational footprint looks like. What I will say is that we do have an open relationship; we’re exploring opportunities, where those opportunities can meet. That’s where the crossroads might come into play. So, determining what’s required by us as an emergency response service; 911 calls, how that impacts and how we can utilize those resources available, that’s in the day-to-day type of conversation that’s going on. I’m not going to discredit anything that they’ve said, I think they’re providing a good opportunity for us to explore options. We just want to make sure that they’re the right options for the city of Prince Albert.”

The jump in warrants being issued ties back to the pandemic when agencies took a step back due to restrictions, along with in 2018 when changes were made around bail reform, according to Lowen.

Those two factored in allowing gangs and organized crime to establish networks, which has now become a heavy focus for the Marshals as first time offenders and reoffenders are continuing to wreak havoc.

“It’s all around building a safer Saskatchewan,” said Lowen.

“We’ve seen gang activity increase across the province in the last decade, a lot more violent crime than what you’re seeing in regards to offenses. Even though crime is actually decreasing in a lot of areas, your violent crime is getting more serious in regards to what is taking place. That is one of [our] focuses of that is identifying these individuals.”

The addition of the Marshals is being felt across the province as they have been mobilized in several communities this year, like in Moose Jaw, Estevan, Turtleford, and File Hills First Nation.

Additionally, Cameron hinted that the Marshals will soon be assisting with calls at provincial correctional facilities, as a new investigation service is in the works. When something happens within a correctional facility, instead of guards calling on police to assist, they would call the Marshals which would allow police officers to continue to patrol outside of the walls.

“You’re taking those officers that would have normally had to stand there or guard that scene, and you’re getting them back into the call rotation,” said Cameron. “So they’re able to go and continue doing the 911 response or core policing duties and we have the ability to take that function from them and provide that resource.”

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loganc.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com

by Logan Lehmann

Sask. Marshals have arrested over 100 fugitives in P.A. this year

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