Annual Report 2003 - Saskatoon Police Service

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CHIEF’S MESSAGE
of current and former members of the
Service are included as well as interesting
events and important cases that
occurred over the years.
2003 marked the 100th anniversary
of the Saskatoon Police Service. To
recognize this important milestone the
Police Service minted a limited edition
commemorative coin that was made
available to all Service members past and
present. The design of the coin is portrayed
on the cover of this annual report.
One hundred years of policing in
Saskatoon has brought with it numerous
challenges and reminded us of stories and
cases of interest. In acknowledgement of
our history, a book entitled “The Memory
Box” was written capturing several of
the more interesting happenings over the
past hundred years. Many memories
2003 not only brought our centennial
celebrations but controversy as well.
It was evident as we looked at the first
hundred years of policing in Saskatoon,
that the expectations of the people we
serve and the need for public
accountability was far greater than
ever before. Saskatoon was facing
increased incidents of crime and
demands for additional policing service
at the same time that our existing
resources were being stretched to the
point of breaking. These current pressures
plus outstanding historical allegations
of police misconduct all served to put
intense media focus on the Police Service.
In spite of the on-going negative
media attention placed on the Service,
our task in 2003 was to stay focused
on building upon our community
policing foundation and remaining
committed to improving relations with
the community at large and in particular
First Nations and Métis peoples. The
issue of public safety was beginning to
take a more predominant role and was
no longer seen as solely a police driven
initiative. As part of our on-going
efforts toward organizational improvement we continued to enhance our
business based management model as
we began to move forward into our
second century of policing.
In an effort to address growing public
concerns, the Service put forth a
budget that reinforced public safety as
well as safeguarding Police resources
both human and financial. The Board
of Police Commissioners supported
our initiatives and for the second year
in a row City Council endorsed a
budget increase that added additional
staff to areas of the Service that had
faced significant increases in work loads.
The additional resources were dedicated
to service delivery in communications
and frontline call response as well as
specific administrative support areas.
In retrospect 2003 was a challenging
year for the Saskatoon Police Service, but
it was also the start of a new beginning.
Our personnel continued to rise to the
challenges we faced and we all look
forward to a new century of providing
effective, efficient and quality policing
service to the community of Saskatoon.
Russell Sabo, Chief
BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS
The Board of Police Commissioners is responsible for the delivery of policing services within the City of Saskatoon by setting general policy, direction and
priorities and developing long-term plans. On January 1, 2003, seven commissioners formed the Board of Police Commissioners including: Ms. Leanne
Bellegarde Daniels (Chair), his Worship Mayor James Maddin (Vice Chair), Councilor Patricia Roe, Councilor Myles Heidt, Mr. Don Gordon, Ms. Eleanor Shia and
Mr. Brian Peters. As a result of the Civic Election on October 22, Mayor Don Atchison joined the Board to replace former Mayor Maddin and Councilor Donna
Birkmaier joined the Board replacing former Councilor Patricia Roe. Councilor Birkmaier’s appointment was only until the end of 2003. On November 5,
Ms. Leanne Bellegarde Daniels resigned her position on the Board which brought the Board to six Commissioners and had Mayor Atchison take on the role as Chair.
Ms. Bellegarde Daniels (Chair)
Ms. Shia
Mayor Maddin (Vice Chair)
Mr. Peters
Councilor Roe
Councilor Heidt
Mayor Atchison
Mr. Gordon
Councilor Birkmaier
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DEPUTY CHIEF’S MESSAGES
The year 2003 was both busy and
exciting for members of the Bureau
of Community Policing. It began
with a major re-organization of the
Policing Services Division as district
boundaries were revamped to
facilitate a ten-district system. Team
policing replaced the four-division
system and adjustments to supervisory
duties provided an environment
wherein supervisors could effectively
coach and mentor front line members.
The Community Liaison Officer
Program was established in 2003 to
provide a conduit between police
and the community. Housed in
the newly opened Little Chief
Community Station, six of the ten
Community Liaison Officers are
assigned to the west side of the
river while the remaining four are
assigned to the east side.
Early in 2003, the Saskatoon
Integrated Drug Unit concluded a
three-year intense drug investigation
with the arrest of several people
known to have connections with
organized crime. The Major Crime
Section arrested a male suspect
after a three-year investigation
into the murder of a young girl on
the city’s east side. Saskatoon
Police Members also worked closely
with other law-enforcement agencies
and Saskatchewan Justice to bring
about legislation that provides for
the electronic reporting of pawn
transactions in Saskatchewan. As
the year drew to a close, the
Service continued to address
property crime issues and the
perception of safety within our
community. These discussions will
continue into the new year.
Donald MacEwan, Deputy Chief
In 2003, the Bureau of Support
Services was very active. The
Administrative Services Unit was
challenged in addressing Service
facility issues. A study was conducted
and a ten-year capital plan was
developed for policing facilities.
This plan identified three options
which could be undertaken to
ensure the facility needs of the
Service are met for future years to
come. In 2003, the Service’s
Canine Unit moved to an off-site
location at Innovation Place and
off-site file storage was also
implemented for Central Records.
The Technological Services Division
and the Records Management
Division began integrating a Global
Positioning Satellite (GPS) system for
our service fleet and communication
systems. This will allow for real-time
tracking of the location of police
vehicles as well as displaying this
information to our Communication
Section. This information will be
of great assistance to our dispatchers
and should enhance our service
level.
The GPS deployment
should be completed in early 2004.
In 2003, our Human Resource
Division experienced staffing challenges. The Service hired 43 Regular
Constables, and 9 Special Constables
to supplement our Community
Policing Strategies and to address
retirement vacancies.
In 2004, we continue to look forward
to progressing in the areas of
recruitment, technology, and system
management.
Daniel Wiks, Deputy Chief
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THE SASKATOON POLICE
SERVICE CHIEF’S AWARD
The first ever Saskatoon Police
Service Chief’s Award for
Community Service was awarded
to Cheryl Dupuis, Celene
Dupuis, Erin Storey and Shelagh
Lewchuk for their outstanding
service to our community
promoting “Danae’s Song”.
Their tireless efforts in making
known the tragic consequences
of drinking and driving to
schools and community groups
throughout the province is a
testament to the personal
sacrifice they all experienced.
Danae’s Song, performed by
Danae’s family and closest
friends, was officially released
on March 5, 2001 during a
presentation at Marion M.
Graham Collegiate. It became
part of a moving presentation
on the life and tragic death of
sixteen-year-old Danae Dupuis
who was killed by a drunk
driver on October 3, 2000.
Despite their loss, the Dupuis
family and friends have made
over fifty public-awareness
presentations and have
participated in numerous
educational events.
In recognition of their
volunteerism and assistance
to police by providing this
program, the Saskatoon Police
Service was honored to present
this award in February 2003.
PROJECT ‘FUSION’
After three years of investigation
by the Saskatoon Police Service,
Regina Police Service and the
RCMP, project ‘Fusion’ search
warrants were executed in
early 2003 at Regina, Saskatoon,
Calgary AB, Salmon Arm and
Mission BC. Several people
were arrested and charged at
this time. Since these searches
the investigation has continued.
In all, there have been 377
charges against more than 73
individuals. 38 people are
facing charges relating to
participation in a criminal
organization. In addition to
the charges, police agencies
have obtained restraint orders
against five homes, two
businesses in Saskatchewan
and three in British Columbia.
As well, a number of seizures
were made including cash,
real estate and vehicles for a
total of $700,200. Also seized
were quantities of marihuana
and cocaine as well as
marihuana growing equipment.
This investigation became
very large and complex. The
following statistics highlight the
magnitude of this investigation:
• 10,383 tasks assigned
• 19,056 documents in the
data set
• 4,550 photographs
• 222 various investigators
• 125 searches conducted
• 1,694 exhibits
Organized crime is a top
priority of law enforcement in
Saskatchewan and this investigation is the largest to date
in the province aimed at
organized crime. The Saskatoon
Police Service is committed to
continue their fight against
these criminal organizations.
AWARDS AND
RECOGNITION OF SERVICE
MEMBERS
Constable Patrick Barbar was awarded the Terry Ryan Memorial
Award for Excellence in Police Services. MADD Canada established
the Terry Ryan Memorial Award to recognize the significant
contribution of police services in helping to reduce impaired driving
in acknowledgement. Constable Barbar has spent a significant
amount of time volunteering with the Saskatoon Chapter of
MADD, frequently speaks to high school classes and is proactive in
enforcement of drinking and driving laws.
The 2003 YWCA Women of Distinction Award in the Sport and
Fitness category was granted to Constable Shelley Ballard for her
work with the Saskatchewan Section of the Alpine Club of
Canada. For the past ten years Constable Ballard has led and
organized skills seminars, leadership courses, climbing trips, acted
as newsletter editor, activities coordinator and continues to serve
as Section Chair of the Alpine Club of Canada.
On March 7, 2003, Golden Jubilee Medals of Queen Elizabeth II
were awarded to several of our members. The medal is awarded
to Canadians who have made a significant contribution to their
fellow citizens, their community or to Canada.
In August 2003, Special Constable Viola Yanik won the silver medal
in the 63 kilogram women’s freestyle wrestling event at the Pan
American Games held in Dominican Republic. Later in September
2003, she won a bronze medal in the same event at the World
Championship in New York City. She will be competing at the
2004 summer Olympics in Athens, Greece.
The 2003 Badge Award was presented to Bill and Donna Rodway,
two citizens who excelled in their voluntary contribution to the
Saskatoon Police Service. They began as Victim Support Workers
10 years ago. They were part of the original group of 36 volunteers
who started with the program in May of 1993. Since that time,
they have contributed more than 2300 hours to the program and
helped over 2600 clients. They epitomize the philosophy, generosity
and compassion of what Victim Services stands for. Their contribution
to the program is commendable. Also, Heritage Canada received
the Corporate Badge Award for their contributions to the production
of “The Memory Box: One hundred Years Policing Saskatoon” and
the restoration of the Little Chief Station.
In 2003 Recruit Classes #46 and #47 of the Saskatchewan Police
College graduated. Recruits from the Saskatoon Police Service
received every award set by the Police College. Members received
the Academic Awards, Fitness Awards, and Firearms Awards.
Award recipients are as follows: Class #46 Constable Amber
Lang(Academic); Constable Joel Lalonde (Fitness); Constable Mike
Johnson (Firearms); Class #47 Constable Aaron Moser (Academic);
Constable Jeff Johnsgaard (Fitness and Firearms). Constable
Dennis Hudec (Class #46) and Constable Aaron Moser (Class #47)
were both class Valedictorians.
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SASKATOON POLICE CELEBRATES
100 YEARS OF SERVICE
1903-2003
Over the years the Saskatoon
Police Service utilized many different
badges. In the 1950s, the design of
the Saskatoon Police Service
Badge was implemented and is still
used today. The predominant colors
of the badge’s central Escutcheon,
green and gold symbolize the
growth and harvest so important
to Saskatoon. Those two colors
have a hidden meaning in tradition
heraldry – strength and bravery.
At the top lays a crown, a sign of
the police service authority as an
appointed official of the court.
Many things have changed during
the past one hundred years of
policing in Saskatoon. However,
one thing remained constant: the
dedication of the men and women
who served as police members in
Saskatoon. What once inspired a
young man to become an officer in
the early 1920s still lives in the
hearts and souls of the women and
men who police Saskatoon today.
This unwritten, unspoken legacy
of dedication and desire to protect
is something the community can
be extremely proud of.
The Saskatoon Police Service has
compiled its memories and stories
into a book titled: “The Memory
Box: One Hundred Years of
Policing in Saskatoon 1903-2003”.
This book takes you on a journey
through time in which a historical
depiction of the profession that
changed according to the era, the
plight, law and values of the
community at that time.
The Saskatoon Police Service
began to take shape in 1903 under
the Leadership of James R. Wilson,
village overseer and later Mayor,
who also held the title of Chief
Magistrate, Fire Chief and Assessor.
Since that time the Police Service
had ten police chiefs, the longest
being Chief Donald who was Chief
for 31 years.
The core of the badge is a reflection
of the City of Saskatoon logo. The
book recalls Saskatoon’s position as
a University seat. The wheel of
industry on the right side is
superimposed by a stalk of wheat.
Under a gold chevron, at the
bottom of the shield, is a wheel
hub designating our city as the
“Hub City” which is the status of
transportation and communication.
In the hub’s center is a gold coin of
prosperity. You can see how those
devices fit with the cities motto of
“Education, Commerce and Industry”.
The badge also holds British tradition.
Displayed is the thistle of Scotland,
the shamrock of Ireland and the
Oak leaf of England. The display
of these three plants represents
mankind’s equality. Also displayed
are Saskatoon berries, prominent
in our Aboriginal culture and the
Canadian Maple Leaf.
Every day each officer displays this
badge proudly upon his or her chest,
on the left side just above his or
her heart. Many police services
have eliminated the wearing the
actual badge of the service and
often keep them in a wallet instead.
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“THE MEMORY BOX”
As the Saskatoon Police Service
entered the new millennium in the
year 2000, it was a goal to develop
a treasured item to give to members of the Service upon their
retirement. This item was to have
significance to them as a police
officer and would be something
that would be cherished during
their retirement years. This is how
the “Memory Box” evolved. Each
Memory Box contains handcrafted
navy blue velvet pillows with burgundy piping representing the
stripe of the uniform pants. The
gold badge once donned above the
heart of the retired member now
lays gently pinned to one of the
velvet pillows. The second pillow
displays medals received throughout their service. Within the
beautifully crafted cherry wood
box is a linen card embossed with
the Police crest.
DID YOU KNOW?
• The longest serving member was Joseph Mackie. He served 46 years and
10 months. Joseph was 20 years old when he started and 68 when he retired.
• In 1957 Police vehicles traveled 762,378 kilometers. In 2001 Police vehicles
traveled over 3 million kilometers and used 555,000 liters of gasoline.
• Police training in the 1960s was still held in the basement of the Police Station
in Saskatoon. A professor from the University of Saskatchewan would
come and teach criminal law. They would march to the YMCA for swimming
and to Robertson Secretarial School for typing lessons. It was quite comical
as there were 40 cops on one side of the room and 40 ladies on the other
side. Many of the men found it hard to concentrate on the typing itself!
• Police officers were assigned routine visits to homes where the owners were on vacation. In 1960
they had 1,507 requests resulting in 19,862 visits. Can you imagine the police doing that now?
• The Saskatoon Police Service was the first Police Service in Canada to hire identical twins.
In August 1993, Tim and Todd Bayly were hired onto the Saskatoon Police.
• Traffic violation vehicle stops are one of the most dangerous activities a law enforcement officer
must perform. To the general public this may seem odd. However in Canada, there have been a
number of police officers murdered during vehicle stops.
• The first female police officers were hired on January 2nd, 1973. Of the three females hired,
Sergeant Joanne Balint persevered and retired in 2003 after 30 years of service.
• The 1960’s qualifications application indicated you must be not less than 5’ 10”, have perfect vision,
a grade 10 education, emotionally be stable and a British subject born within the British Commonwealth.
• On October 16th, 1968, a K-9 Unit comprised of Sergeant Vern Passet and one German Shepherd
dog, police dog Tonka, was approved.
The Saskatoon Police Service acknowledges the following people who left the Service in 2003
following ten or more years of service.
Superintendent Richard Grosy
Sergeant David Longueil
Sergeant Glen Winslow
Staff Sergeant Allan Sather
Sergeant Joanne Balint
Sergeant Peter Karwacki
35 years
35 years
34 years
32 years
30 years
29 years
Sergeant Bruce Marsland
Sergeant Michael Robinson
Sergeant Timothy Sellar
Constable Edward Clark
Constable Leslie Sicherman
29 years
28 years
28 years
26 years
22 years
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THE LITTLE CHIEF COMMUNITY POLICE STATION
In keeping our ties with the
Community, the Little Chief
Community Police Station was
opened in January of 2003. This
initiative provided a great opportunity
for the Service to address our
community’s needs. The Community
Station allows our citizens
better access to Police
Services, and also reduces the
workload of our Service
Centre at Headquarters.
The Little Chief Community
Station also provides a valuable
police presence in Riversdale,
and reduces the call load of
Patrol Members, allowing
them to better respond to
emergency incidents.
Built by the Texaco Oil Company
back in 1929, it was named the
West Side Service Station, and was
later renamed to Little Chief
Service Station in 1943. With its
white stucco, wide overhanging
eaves, tile roof and parapeted
walls, the Little Chief Service
Station was a good example of
Spanish Colonial architecture. It
was an early landmark on
Saskatoon’s west side. And after
receiving extensive renovations,
the Little Chief Community Police
Station now is home to a Reporting
Office, Community Liaison Office
as well as a community meeting
room. It is located at 344 20th Street
West in the heart of Riversdale,
with hours of operation of 08:00
a.m. to 11:00 p.m. seven days a week.
EMBRACING OUR COMMUNITY MOSAIC
After receiving funding from
Canadian Heritage, the Saskatoon
Police Service developed the
Saskatoon Police Advisory Committee
on Diversity. This proactive partnership allows the Service to work
closely with members of the Métis
Nation of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon
Tribal Council, Federation of
Saskatchewan Indian Nations,
Saskatoon Intercultural Association,
City of Saskatoon Race Relations
Committee and The Open Door
Society. This allows us to ponder
upon efforts that are already present
and to recognize the needs and
issues of our community as they
relate to policing in Saskatoon.
This year their main focus was to
develop multi-cultural training for
Members of the Saskatoon Police
Service. There were three, three
day training sessions in November
and December. The first two days
concentrated on Aboriginal/First
Nations/ Métis issues with the third
dedicated to other multi-cultural
groups and gay and lesbian
awareness. More sessions are being
held in 2004.
COMMUNITY POLICE ACADEMY
After two successful sessions in
2002, The Saskatoon Police Service
undertook two additional sessions
of the Community Police Academy
in 2003. The goals were to give the
participants a better understanding
of the Police Service through
information and education, to
promote the Service and to develop
positive interactions between the
community and the police therefore
working together to keep our
community safer.
The Academy consists of twelve
sessions, three hours each, on
consecutive Wednesday evenings.
Officers from different sections,
such as Break & Enter, Major
Crimes, Identification, Commercial
Crime, Traffic, Drugs, Explosives
Disposal, Public Order & Others
spoke about their function within
the service. Also included was a
practical range day, a police
ride-along with a Patrol officer,
and a sit-along in the Detention
and Communications Units. Upon
completion of the program, the
candidates participated in a
graduation ceremony.
The participants represented a wide
variety of community and business
organizations. City Council, The
Board of Police Commissioners,
media and the general public
attended. Through this program,
the Saskatoon Police Service has
developed 98 new ambassadors.
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STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
INCIDENT TYPE
Total Complaints
9-1-1 Calls
Occurrence Reports
Offences
Arrests
Violations Causing Death
Attempted Murder
Sexual Assaults
Assaults
Armed Robbery
Robbery
Stalking
Arson
Break & Enter – Residence
Break & Enter – Business
Theft of Motor Vehicle
Theft
Fraud
Willful Damage
Prostitution
Drugs
Fatal Collisions
Impaired Driving
Municipal Bylaws
Provincial Statutes
2002
90,412
71,623
43,461
48,456
11,117
6
4
362
2,600
192
340
256
101
3,098
634
1,264
8,027
1,227
4,248
103
682
6
965
14,047
26,014
2003
104,759
75,787
49,415
54,887
11,780
8
6
316
2,723
325
410
221
158
3,744
965
1,778
9,288
1,138
5,157
113
677
5
925
17,735
25,842
%CHANGE
15,87
5.81
13.70
13.27
5.96
33.33
50.00
-12.71
4.73
69.27
20.59
-13.67
56.44
20.85
52.21
40.66
15.71
-7.25
21.40
9.71
-0.73
-16.67
-4.15
26.25
-0.66
PERSONNEL
Position
Authorized (Dec. 31st 2003)
Chief
1
Deputy Chief
2
Superintendent
4
Inspector
2
Staff Sergeant
14
Sergeant
88
Constable
244
Total
355
Special Constables
Civilians
RCMP – Integrated Units
Volunteers
46
87.5
16
82
Photos courtesy of the Star Phoenix
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2003 INTERNAL INVESTIGATIONS
2003 PUBLIC COMPLAINTS
Received
Substantiated
(supported
by evidence)
Unsubstantiated
(can not be
proved or
disproved)
Unfounded
(unsupported
by evidence)
Withdrawn
/Other
Not Yet
Completed
57
2
1
15
14
25
2003 SUPERVISORY REVIEWS
Received
Substantiated
(supported
by evidence)
Unsubstantiated
(can not be
proved or
disproved)
Unfounded
(unsupported
by evidence)
Withdrawn
/Other
Not Yet
Completed
39
5
2
5
26
1
2003 INTERNAL DISCIPLINE INVESTIGATION
Received
Substantiated
(supported
by evidence)
Unsubstantiated
(can not be
proved or
disproved)
Unfounded
(unsupported
by evidence)
Withdrawn
/Other
Not Yet
Completed
11
2
0
0
1
8
STATISTICS
2003 Actual Expenditures
$40,071,662
Saskatoon Population*
205,300
(*City Planning estimate as of December 31, 2003 from Statistics Canada)
Saskatoon Police Service
Total 2003 Operating Budget
Saskatoon Police Service
2003 Operating Costs
Photos courtesy of the Star Phoenix
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Saskatoon Police Members in 1920 alongside their Harley Davidson patrol motorcycles.
SASKATOON POLICE SERVICE MISSION STATEMENT
“In partnership with the community, we strive to provide service based on excellence to ensure a
safe and secure environment.”
SASKATOON POLICE SERVICE CORE VALUES
Honesty
We will be reputable, adhering to truthfulness and being free from deceit.
Integrity
We will lead by example, being incorruptible and doing the right thing regardless of the pressures
or personal risk we face.
Compassion
We will be mindful of the distress of others and demonstrate a sympathetic understanding in
our desire to assist them.
Fairness
We will demonstrate impartiality, being free from self-interest, prejudice or favoritism.
Commitment
We will show dedication to the goals of the Service and to our personal development,
wellness as we persist in our endeavors to consult, work with and serve the community.
Respect
We will recognize the right of all people, regardless of their personal situation, to live without ridicule,
and as such we will display courteous regard for people in every situation.
Professionalism
We will be above reproach and exhibit a proficient, conscientious,
and business-like demeanor in dealing with those we serve.
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SASKATOON POLICE SERVICE
P.O. BOX 1728
Saskatoon, SK
S7K 3R6
www.police.saskatoon.sk.ca