Police in Moose Jaw launch anti-trespassing initiative

Police in Moose Jaw are partnering with local businesses on a new initiative aiming to curb trespassing.

Business can register with the Moose Jaw Trespass Prevention Program, the police service explained, which allows police officers to act in place of the owner or agent of the property when enforcing trespassing laws. That means police can remove violators from a property without the owner or agent first calling the police and making the request.

The program – which the police service said follows similar, successful measures in other jurisdictions – will run for around three months in Moose Jaw’s downtown. The program will be offered to business located between Oxford Street and Manitoba Street and Second Avenue Northwest to Second Avenue Northeast. After the three-month pilot, it’s expected that the program will expand to the remainder of the city.

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“Concerns from community residents have been voiced regarding individuals sleeping, using drugs, or disruptive activity in front of or within their business,” the police service explained in a statement.

“The Moose Jaw Trespass Prevention Program is an initiative that allows MJPS officers to remove the Trespass to Property Act violators from private property without the need of a call for service or direct involvement from a property representative.”

Participants in the program are still encouraged to call police when possible, and joining the program doesn’t mean properties will be constantly monitored.

Businesses that join the program will have a decal installed on the property’s front and rear entrances, informing the public of their participation.

More information on the program and details on how to sign up can be found on the police service’s website.