SASKATOON — The Saskatoon Police Service has announced it is launching a new program aimed at providing education and awareness around outlaw motorcycle and street gangs in Saskatoon.
Drop Gangs is a program developed with the intention of being a preventative approach to combating criminal activity in street level gangs and organized crime. The initiative also has an educational component for individuals who may be considering becoming involved in gangs, and also to offer resources for those who are wanting to exit the lifestyle.
With a vehicle that functions like a ‘rolling billboard' and an informational website, Drop Gangs has two missions:
To work with the community of Saskatoon to provide access to programming and support for those wishing to leave the gang lifestyle.
To dispel myths and educate the public about street gangs, outlaw motorcycle gangs and organized crime by highlighting the criminal activity these groups are involved in.
The Drop Gangs vehicle will be visible at community events, outlaw motorcycle gang events, warrant executions where gangs, drugs, and organized crime are involved, and upon request for educational presentations.
“The Drop Gangs program coincides with federal and provincial funding initiatives aimed at reducing the impact of gang-related crime and violence in our community,” says Patrick Nogier, Superintendent of Criminal Investigations Division. “We have seen other programs, particularly in British Columbia, that have been very successful and are fortunate to be able to partner with them to share information and resources with our own community here in Saskatoon.”
The program and vehicle purchase were made possible through a successful application to the province’s civil forfeiture fund through The Seizure of Criminal Property Act, 2009.
