A new round of funding from Saskatchewan’s Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund to the tune of $1.1 million was announced on Friday at the Moose Jaw Police Station.
Tim McLeod, Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety made the announcement in front of representatives of the Moose Jaw, Regina and Saskatoon Police services, Regina Search and Rescue Vice President Colin Matechuk, and Mayor James Murdock.
“Since 2009, civil forfeiture has redirected illicit funds to law enforcement, victims’ services and community-based safety initiatives. More than $10 million has been allocated to benefit Saskatchewan communities with crime prevention, and Victim Support initiatives,” said McLeod.
“The program operates through referrals from police agencies, which identify property connected to unlawful activities, and the forfeiture process ensures that assets linked to illegal activities, such as cash from drug trafficking or vehicle vehicles used in criminal enterprises, are seized and repurposed for public benefit. Removing the financial incentives of criminal activity increases community safety.”
The funding is to be split between various Saskatchewan police services and the Victim’s Fund. Of the $564,000 directed towards police services, the Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS) will receive $223,000 to support investigations involving child victims of crime and the expansion of victims’ services in the city.
“Nearly a year ago, the Moose Jaw Police Service began plans on how we could enhance capabilities in our extremely important investigations involving child and youth victims of abuse. As a result, applications for funding were submitted through civil forfeiture, and we were delighted to be approved.” MJPS Acting Chief Rick Johns said.
“I'd like to thank the Saskatchewan government, Victims’ Services Saskatchewan, our community partners, as well as the members of the Moose Jaw Police Service project team who will play a vital role in making these plans a reality.”
A portion of the funding will be allocated to hiring two additional Internet Child Exploitation unit officers and well as the Little Oak Child and Youth Justice Centre, which will be located near the police station and is set to open within the next 30 to 60 days.
“The Justice Center has been named the Little Oak Youth Justice Center. The oak tree symbolizes many things, but in this case, it symbolizes strength, resiliency and the ability to withstand challenges, which are what we hope that we can instill in our communities most vulnerable victims through the creation of this,” Johns said.
“The branches of the Little Oak Justice Center will include partnerships with a number of agencies. Including the Moose Jaw Police, the Department of Social Services, local RCMP, Healthcare and prosecutions with the common purpose of justice care and support for children and youth. This will be a huge step forward in this very important work.”
The expansion of victims’ services in the city is a welcome addition to the tools available to the Moose Jaw & District Victims Services, said Coordinator Terri Roney.
“This center represents a significant step forward in how we support children and families experiencing the unimaginable, violence, abuse, neglect and trauma. It's more than just a facility, it's a centralized, compassionate response to some of the most vulnerable members of our society,” said Roney.
“Until now, children in our community who disclose abuse and have to tell their story multiple times, often in intimidating settings. This adds unnecessary stress to an already traumatizing experience. Little Oak changes that, it brings together a multidisciplinary team of law enforcement, victim services, social services, and medical support. The goal is to have children only tell their story once, in a safe, supportive, and trauma sensitive environment. This improves coordination, speeds up interventions and, more importantly, reduces the emotional burden on a child.”
Alongside the Little Oak Youth Justice Center and additional ICE unit staff, the MJPS will be acquiring new interview equipment and Faraday bags to protect digital evidence, and upgrading interview rooms.
Other allocations from the funding include tactical training facility upgrades in Regina, a new chemical evidence handling workspace in Prince Albert, portable crime scene lighting for the File Hills First Nations Police Service, and a command center tent for Regina Search and Rescue.