The RCMP union is urging the province of Saskatchewan to halt the operations of the Sask Marshals Service, citing concerns over safety and effectiveness.
In a statement released on Monday, the National Police Federation (NPF) expressed their concerns about the Sask Marshals Service, which was launched in September 2020 to assist with enforcing public health orders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the NPF, the Sask Marshals Service lacks proper training and resources, putting both the public and the marshals themselves at risk. They also claim that the service is not operating efficiently and is causing delays in the justice system.
“The safety of our members and the public is of utmost importance,” said Brian Sauvé, president of the NPF. “We have serious concerns about the Sask Marshals Service and its ability to effectively carry out its duties.”
The NPF is calling on the province to pause the operations of the Sask Marshals Service until a thorough review can be conducted to address these concerns.
In response, the Ministry of Justice released a statement defending the Sask Marshals Service, stating that they have received positive feedback from the public and have been successful in enforcing public health orders.
“The Sask Marshals Service has been an important tool in ensuring compliance with public health orders during the pandemic,” the statement read. “They have received extensive training and have been working closely with the RCMP and other law enforcement agencies.”
The Ministry also stated that they are open to feedback and will continue to work with the NPF to address any concerns.
The NPF is not the only group to raise concerns about the Sask Marshals Service. The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) has also expressed their worries, stating that the service is not equipped to handle rural areas and that it is causing confusion among residents.
The NPF is urging the province to take immediate action and pause the operations of the Sask Marshals Service until these concerns are addressed. They are also calling for a review of the service’s training, resources, and effectiveness.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen what actions the province will take in response to the NPF’s concerns.
