Saskatchewan residents located in the southern part of the province have a new way to get information about criminal activity in their area directly from the RCMP. RCMP detachment commanders will use the Saskatchewan Crime Watch Advisory Network to send text messages, emails or phone calls to residents. People can sign up and choose how they would like to get these advisories.

The Government of Saskatchewan is providing approximately $50,000 for the RCMP to initially launch this system in southern Saskatchewan. The RCMP will evaluate the effectiveness of the program and the possibility of using it across Saskatchewan.

"We know that people across our province want information to help keep their family and home safe," Corrections and Policing Minister Christine Tell said. "The Saskatchewan Crime Watch Advisory Network allows people to get reliable information right from the RCMP."

"When an RCMP detachment becomes aware of an incident or crime, they can issue an advisory via the system and local residents who have signed up for the program will become aware of what happened," Saskatchewan RCMP Commanding Officer Assistant Commissioner Mark Fisher said. "Equipped with this information, citizens will be in a better position to provide tips and information to their local RCMP."

"We want rural residents to feel safe in our communities," Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities President Ray Orb said. "With the reinvigoration of Rural Crime Watch Associations in the province and the addition of the Provincial Protection and Response Team, this mass notification system adds to the basket of tools and peace of mind for our members."

"By receiving advisories and reporting crimes or suspicious activities, residents can help foster resilient hometowns that actively prevent crime, enhancing public safety," Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association President Gordon Barnhart said.

Visit https://sarm.ca/, https://suma.org/ or https://member.everbridge.net/index/453003085619333#/login to sign up for the Saskatchewan Crime Watch Advisory Network.