Murder rates climb at alarming rate in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan RCMP have seen a 50 per cent increase in homicides from 2019 to 2023. This number doesn’t include the murders committed in jurisdictions of municipal police forces such as Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, and Moose Jaw.
Forty-four per cent of the murders in RCMP jurisdiction were committed by those on bail, parole, probation, or court ordered conditions at the time.
“It goes without saying that a homicide is worst case scenario – but when an individual commits a homicide while on bail or release conditions, it is extremely discouraging and frustrating for our investigators,” said Officer in Charge of Major Crimes, Superintendent Joshua Graham.
“In 2023, our Major Crimes unit had five instances where two to three separate homicides occurred in less than 48 hours – these clusters of homicides are alarming, but no longer an anomaly. Our Major Crimes investigators continue to do an outstanding job, despite not receiving any additional investigative resources since 2008 – their dedication, resiliency, and undeniable expertise is what contributes to solving 84% of the homicides since 2015.”
15,800 court ordered conditions violated
From January to December 2023, RCMP officers identified more than 15,800 violated court ordered conditions in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction.
The violations were found through conditions checks, traffic stops, and responding to calls for service.
A hopeful way forward
On Jan. 4, 2024, amendments are being made to the Criminal Code and current bail provisions – targeting prolific violent offenders (Bill C-48).
“I am hopeful the amended bail provisions are a step in the right direction – because at the end of the day, those individuals who are not interested in rehabilitation or changing their lifestyle, will continue to do harm to others and should not be released back into our communities,” said Saskatchewan RCMP Commanding Officer Rhonda Blackmore.
“I am incredibly proud of our front-line officers and specialized units who continue to monitor, supress, and investigate these violent offenders – from ensuring individuals are complying with their release conditions, implementing initiatives to target prolific offenders, arresting those with outstanding warrants, to investigating homicides.”
