Saskatchewan Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit is on pace for its busiest year ever.
These cases include investigating crimes involving the abuse and/or exploitation of infants, children and teens on the Internet.
Back in 2021-22, the unit had 853 files. In 2022-23, the number of files increased to 931. The 2023-24 fiscal year saw 1,003. Investigators are currently on pace to reach 1,317 new files for the upcoming fiscal year.
For the ICE Unit, the fiscal year runs between each April to March.
During the last fiscal year, ICE Unit executed 58 search warrants. As of March 13, 2025, they have already executed 86.
“Surpassing last year’s number of files isn’t just a statistic, it’s a testament to the growing challenges we as ICE investigators face,” says Saskatoon Police S/Sgt. Tim Failler, Coordinator of the Saskatchewan ICE Unit said in a news release.
With the growing nature of technology, there is easier access to the internet, putting more children at a greater risk.
Along with the increasing number of files, investigations are becoming more complex for the ICE unit that makes it easier for offenders to remain undetected by parents and police.
“Generally, when we are investigating files, we search phones, computers, tablets and hard drives extensively to verify whether there is further criminality taking place. It could take weeks to examine, depending on the amount of data that is seized and the complexity of the encryption,” said S/Sgt. Failler.
ICE Units educate families and schools on what to do when a child discloses potential abuse, starting with receiving the information calmly, carefully and without judgement. Last year, they did 46 presentations at various locations across the province.
Here are some ways to help kids be safe online:
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Talk to your kids! Make sure they feel comfortable talking to a trusted adult if they come across inappropriate content.
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Remind them that people online may not be who they say they are and to only accept friend requests from people they confirm they know.
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Ask them how the social media app they’re using works, have them show you and ask them questions about it.
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Never share personal information such as address, phone number, school name or location with anyone.
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Try searching “how does the app work?” or “hidden features of the app” in your favourite search engine.
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Learn chat slang, abbreviations, acronyms and altered meanings.
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Keep the computer or phones in busy family areas, like the kitchen, where the screen can always be seen.
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Educate your kids about how the photos and messages they send can be saved via screenshots or recordings by someone else. Explain that once something is posted, it’s impossible to remove.
If you or your child have been targeted or are a victim of crime online, please do the following:
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Report it to your local police or online via cybertip.ca.
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Immediately stop all communication with the suspect.
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Ensure that you and/or your child do not comply with the threat.
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Screenshot and keep any correspondence between you or your child and the suspect.
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Remember that you are not alone – seek assistance/support from your local police.