Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) has launched a new Warrant Enforcement Unit as part of a one-year pilot project aimed at improving public safety by addressing the city’s growing number of outstanding Criminal Code warrants.
The specialized unit, consisting of one sergeant and four constables, will focus on locating and apprehending individuals who have active arrest warrants, including those who have failed to appear in court or are facing criminal charges.
Currently, Saskatoon has approximately 6,400 outstanding Criminal Code warrants, with 5,000 of those issued since January 2023. The new unit will work proactively to hold individuals accountable and support the integrity of the judicial system.
“The creation of this unit reflects our commitment to community safety and effective law enforcement,” said Tony Landry, Inspector in charge of Patrol Support.
“A dedicated team focused on warrant enforcement will allow us to prioritize arresting wanted individuals who pose the greatest risk to public safety while also alleviating pressures faced by frontline patrol officers.”
The Warrant Enforcement Unit will operate in uniform and collaborate with other SPS teams to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. The initiative is expected to improve enforcement efforts and free up resources for patrol officers handling day-to-day policing demands.
As the pilot project unfolds, its impact on community safety and policing resources will be assessed to determine its long-term viability.