Crime Watch Advisory Network adds more police services

Saskatchewan’s Crime Watch Advisory Network is growing.

Launched by the RCMP in the southern part of the province in March of last year, the network has expanded to include other police forces around Saskatchewan.

In April, it was extended to central and northern Saskatchewan. On Tuesday, it was announced the program had expanded to include several municipal police services as well as conservation officers.

The Estevan, Weyburn, Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Wilton, Corman Park and Dalmeny police services now are part of the network, as is the Ministry of Environment/Conservation Officer Service.

Like the RCMP, those services now can issue advisories to residents via text messages, emails or phone calls that provide information about criminal activity in their areas.

“The expansion of the Saskatchewan Crime Watch Advisory Network will increase communication and engagement between citizens and law enforcement,” Christine Tell, Saskatchewan’s minister of corrections, policing and public safety, said in a media release.

“It’s a safe, reliable, and efficient service that will help keep our communities safe.”

The Government of Saskatchewan provides the RCMP with annual funding of about $50,000 to operate the network.

According to the government, almost 15,000 residents of the province have registered to receive the notifications. Since the network was launched, the RCMP has issued more than 900 advisories and has received numerous tips from the public.

Members of the public can sign up to receive the advisories here.