Saskatchewan Technology Entrepreneurs Help Address Rural Crime
Saskatoon-based technology innovator, Jeff Shirley, has been selected as the winner of the province’s first Rural Crime Innovation Challenge.
The challenge, organized by Innovation Saskatchewan in conjunction with the Ministry of Justice, is focused on addressing rural crime in Saskatchewan. Shirley, owner and principal consultant of Rivercity Technology Services Limited (RCT), will work on a project to develop prototypes to improve the safety and security of rural citizens and property.
“The Rural Crime Innovation Challenge is a new approach to helping Saskatchewan address crime,” Minister Responsible for Innovation Steven Bonk said. “The response to this program by tech companies and researchers speaks to the opportunity that exists to use technology to help solve everyday challenges in our province.”
As part of the challenge, Shirley and his firm, RCT, will participate in a 16 week residency program with the Ministry of Justice – working with William Topping, founder of Brand X Technologies, on the proposed solution. Together, they will design an application-based tracking system and GPS device to alert land owners about any event or irregular activity related to their property.