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The Government of Saskatchewan is making some changes in the way it responds to bad behaviour behind bars.
Recently-passed legislation is aimed at improving safety, fairness and consistency in matters surrounding discipline and criminal offences that occur in provincial jails.
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The province said a new partnership with the Saskatchewan Marshals Service will see marshals investigating crimes that occur when people are in provincial custody and lay charges as required.
“This ensures incidents, such as violence or drug trafficking, are dealt with in a timely manner, while allowing municipal police services to focus on frontline community policing,” the Ministry of Community Safety noted in a statement.
The partnership will see marshals working at the Prince Albert Correctional Centre, Pine Grove Correctional Centre and Prince Albert Youth Residence, “with a mandate to expand to additional correctional facilities over time.”
“This new partnership strengthens public safety by ensuring that serious incidents involving offenders in custody are investigated thoroughly, safely and with clear accountability for criminal actions,” chief marshal Robert Cameron said in a statement.
“By assuming responsibility for these investigations, the Saskatchewan Marshals Service will help reduce the operational burden on already busy police services of jurisdiction, allowing them to focus more time and resources on responding to 911 emergencies and advancing proactive crime reduction efforts.”
Additionally, the province said it is updating the way it approaches disciplinary infractions by inmates, with major disciplinary matters to be decided by a justice of the peace in order to ensure the decisions are impartial and consistent. The change also ensures the consequences for serious misconduct are both clear and enforceable, the ministry added.
“These changes modernize our correctional system, strengthen oversight and support safer, more effective operations in our facilities,” Community Safety Minister Michael Weger said in a statement.
“They help ensure clear rules, fair processes and strong tools are in place to maintain order and safety, while reinforcing our commitment to a transparent and accountable system. These amendments position us to better meet current challenges and adapt to future needs.”
