Released on February 3, 2010
Justice Minister and Attorney General Don Morgan and Corrections, Public Safety and Policing Minister D.F. (Yogi) Huyghebaert issued this public statement today on the distribution of a public notification indicating Karrie Casper was unlawfully at large:
"On behalf of the Province of Saskatchewan, we extend our sincere apologies to Karrie Casper and her family for the damage and hurt that issuing the public notification may have caused.
On Saturday, January 30, 2010, a review of Ms. Casper's court documents by Corrections officials prompted concern that she had been released before the end of her sentence, and hence was considered unlawfully at large. That led Corrections officials to distribute a news release and photograph of Ms. Casper describing the situation and asking for the public's help in returning her to custody on Sunday, January 31, 2010.
Discussions between Corrections and Justice officials in the two days after the public notification indicated that an error had been made in interpreting the court order. Ms. Casper had rightfully completed her custody sentence, and was in fact, not unlawfully at large as the public notification had indicated.
We now have a clearer understanding of how this unfortunate incident occurred. We are working to ensure that we are more prudent and thoughtful in how we release information related to individuals being unlawfully at large from provincial custody, and in how specific notifications serve the interests of public safety. We will continue to review our policies and procedures regarding public notification so citizens receive timely notification about incidents that could impact public safety, with appropriate checks and balances in place to ensure all information conveyed publicly is accurate."
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For more information, contact:
Judy Orthner
Corrections, Public Safety and Policing
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5883
Email: judy.orthner@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-535-2233