Released on September 12, 2007
A new program to help police protect witnesses has been established in Saskatchewan.
"Witness intimidation is a powerful tool used by organized crime groups and gangs to undermine successful prosecutions," Justice Minister Frank Quennell said. "This new program will ensure that Saskatchewan continues to be inhospitable to organized crime and gang activity."
The High Risk Witness Management Program will help police services protect witnesses who do not meet program criteria for the RCMP National Source Witness Protection Program.
It will also enhance the ability of the justice system to secure critical evidence in the prosecution of serious offences, often involving gangs and criminal organizations.
The investment in the program for what remains of the fiscal year 2007-08 will be $80,000 and then funding will be $320,000 annually. The program will be staffed by one program officer and one support person within the department of Justice.
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For more information, contact:
Andrew Dinsmore
Justice
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8606
Email: adinsmore@justice.gov.sk.ca