Gov’t introduces legislation to ensure police oversight

Police in Saskatchewan soon won’t be investigating police any longer.

The provincial government on Monday introduced The Police (Serious Incident Response Team) Amendment Act, 2021, which if passed will create a civilian-led independent body to investigate serious incidents involving police officers.

The creation of the SIRT was announced in the budget last Tuesday. It’s expected to start operating in the fall, once staffing and training are completed.

“The Government of Saskatchewan understands the importance of transparent oversight of serious policing incidents,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant said in a media release. “The proposed changes are the next step to enhancing police oversight and ensuring public trust.”

A civilian executive director will lead the team, which is to investigate incidents where a person suffers 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.

The executive director also can start investigations into other incidents when they believe it’s in the public interest.

The act requires the appointment of a First Nations or Metis community liaison if the victim is of First Nations or Metis descent. All

“Appointed liaisons will assist the executive director and perform functions such as co-ordinating with the family of the victim and advising investigators on community interactions,” the government said. “The executive director will also have discretion to appoint a community liaison in all other matters.”