NORTH BATTLEFORD CRIME REDUCTION STRATEGY MAKING PROGRESS

Released on June 20, 2005

The North Battleford Crime Reduction Strategy has been effective in encouraging community groups and government agencies to work together to reduce crime and enhance public safety in North Battleford.

The integration of resources of the strategy partners has resulted in a 9.6 per cent reduction in reported crime in the Battlefords and surrounding area in 2004, compared to the previous year.

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

"The Departments of Corrections and Public Safety and Justice are pleased to work in partnership with the RCMP, the Aboriginal community and other organizations to provide effective interventions that decrease offending in North Battleford," Corrections and Public Safety Minister Peter Prebble said. "This strategy will reduce crime by using targeted, integrated approaches and effective early interventions."

In 2003, Justice, Corrections and Public Safety, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the City of North Battleford announced a comprehensive, three-point strategy to respond to the high incidence of youth crime. The strategy involves: enhanced focus on youth repeating offending; early intervention for low-risk offenders; and working with children under 12 who are involved in offending behaviour.

Two RCMP officers were hired as part of the strategy and a prosecutor was relocated to North Battleford to address the additional workload associated with the strategy. Corrections and Public Safety has provided two youth workers and funding to Battlefords Tribal Council for a re-integration worker. Battlefords Tribal Council has also hired an additional youth worker to support the strategy.

The North Battleford crime reduction strategy steering committee includes: the city of North Battleford, Battlefords Tribal Council, Prairie North Regional Health Authority, North West Catholic School Division 16, Battlefords School Division No. 118, Justice, Corrections and Public Safety, Community Resources and Employment, Learning, RCMP, Human Resources Development Canada and Saskatchewan Legal Aid Commission.

The provincial government now has targeted crime reduction strategies in place to address the specific needs of Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert and North Battleford.

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For More Information, Contact:

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