The province has announced a new initiative to investigate serious incidents involving police officers in Saskatchewan.
The civilian led independent Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) will be introduced through the Police Amendment Act, 2021. Justice Minister Gordon Wyant says the Government of Saskatchewan understands the importance of transparent oversight of serious policing incidents. He says the proposed changes are the next step to enhancing police oversight and ensuring public trust.
The SIRT will act under a civilian Executive Director, SIRT members will investigate all matters where a person has suffered a sexual assault, serious injury, or death while in the custody of the police or as a result of the actions of a police officer. Investigations may also be conducted when the Executive Director believes it is in the public interest to do so. The proposed amendments will also require the appointment of a First Nations or Metis community liaison if the victim is of First Nations or Metis ancestry. The Executive Director will also have the discretion to appoint community liaisons in other matters.
Once staffing and training are completed the SIRT is expected to become operational this fall.
Police Chief Troy Cooper Welcomes SIRT Initiative
Police Chief Troy Cooper says the new initiative of a civilian led independent Serious Incident Response Team, is a welcome one.
Cooper says police chiefs across the province have been lobbying and working with partners in government in an attempt for an oversight model like this. “We think that this is necessary to maintain and continue with the public confidence that we have, and it’s something that is contemporary and aligned well with what is happening in the rest of Canada. We’re pleased to see that this framework is there and will be looking to discuss some of the operational impacts of the bill.”
Cooper says the civilian or independent component will provide comfort to anyone examining the investigation knowing it was something done at arms length. He explains in criminal matters the SIRT will report right to the crown prosecutor with no input from the chief or organization. Cooper adds if it is something less serious police chiefs will have some discretion on what discipline will look like at that point.
