Plans are in the works to bring a policing model to La Ronge that has proven to be quite successful in other parts of the world.
The “HUB” was designed in Glasgow, Scotland to address a spiraling escalation of alcohol-fuelled crime and other social problems.
The model has since been adopted by Prince Albert, which has seen an 8.6% drop in crime numbers from January to June of this year — a drop that is largely attributed to the impact the new model is having.
La Ronge Mayor Thomas Sierzycki says the new model will be worth it if it keeps one less person from being locked up.
He notes preparations are already being made:
“Currently, there is a steering committee that is in place and is getting ready to actually have a HUB type of meetings. So, of course, the municipality, the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, and our fellow municipality — Air Ronge — are all on side and very promotive of this.”
Saskatchewan Justice Minister Gord Wyant is in La Ronge today as part of a fact-finding tour of what is working and what isn’t.
He says creative approaches like the HUB spark alleviate pressure to build more or larger correctional facilities:
“There are some very creative things that are being done around community engagement — which will lead, I think, if successful, to a reduction in the need to have expanding correctional facilities.”
Wyant was joined in this week’s tour by Legislative Secretary to the Premier for First Nations Engagement Rob Norris and Treaty Commissioner George Lafond.