PAGC Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte (submitted photo/Tina Pelletier)

By paNOW Staff

CALLING FOR ACTION

PAGC calls for immediate action on recommendations for P.A. Police

Jul 19, 2023 | 10:04 AM

The Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) is calling for the immediate implementation of the recommendations unveiled in a provincial review of the Prince Albert Police Service.

That report was released Tuesday following a review of the police service which was ordered by Minister of Corrections and Policing Christine Tell following several in-custody deaths.

The report laid out 45 recommendations for the police service including changing how the force handles risk management, how it communicates with the public, the roles played by the police commission, and the officer’s union.

READ MORE: Interim chief of P.A. Police responds to report and recommendations from province

In a statement released to media, the PAGC said the recommendations provide a crucial roadmap for transformation and must be swiftly acted upon to prevent in-custody deaths and other tragedies from happening again.

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“The series of in-custody deaths that transpired in 2021 was profoundly tragic and has underscored the necessity for a thorough investigation. Our heartfelt sympathies remain with the families impacted by these devastating incidents, and we stand in solidarity with them in their quest for truth and justice,” Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte said.

Among the recommendations, the PAGC is asking for number 28, proposing the inclusion of the Government of Saskatchewan on the Board of the Police Commissioners, to also include a representative from the PAGC.

“We emphasize the importance of inclusive representation within the board and call upon the Prince Albert Board of Police Commissioners and all relevant parties to recognize the significance of granting the Prince Albert Grand Council a seat on the board,” Hardlotte said. “Through our collaborative efforts, we can work towards a future where the PAPS serves and protects all community members with fairness, integrity, and cultural sensitivity.”

The comments from the PAGC come on the same day the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations will speak alongside the family of Saul Laliberte who died in custody in November 2021. A senior member of the Prince Albert Police Service was recently charged in connection with that death.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @princealbertnow