Event organizer Amy Williams at the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) meeting in North Battleford Wednesday evening. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

Focus on safety

Residents asked to call SCAN when they suspect criminal activity

Nov 28, 2019 | 2:41 PM

Battlefords residents have another tool they can use to combat crime in the area.

About 50 people attended a meeting at Third Avenue United Church in North Battleford Wednesday night to learn about the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) Investigation Unit’s efforts in working with residents to combat crime using civil action.

An investigation unit is available for the region that residents can contact if they have concerns about potential crime in their neighbourhood.

The team deals with problem properties using civil process under the SCAN legislation established through the province.

North Battleford resident Amy Williams who organized the meeting wanted to do something positive to help residents feel safer, rather than just complain.

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While she feels North Battleford is a great place, she is concerned about crime in the area.

“I didn’t want to stand and do nothing,” she said. “I want to be able to say to people: ‘Have you heard of SCAN? Could you use it?'”

The SCAN investigation unit doesn’t target people engaging in criminal acts but rather targets the address location where they reside, where the illegal activity is taking place.

The team focuses mainly on three types of problems – gang activity, illegal drug activity and issues involving fortified buildings – properties with barriers to prevent entry that create safety concerns. The unit also targets properties used for prostitution as well as places where children are at risk.

Concerned citizens need to provide the SCAN unit with details when they suspect criminal activity so one of the members can begin to investigate the property.

The SCAN unit can use the information to inform the RCMP but it won’t disclose the name of the citizen that made the report. People who report criminal activity also will not be asked to participate in the court process.

The unit can also send a warning letter to the occupants causing the problems or use the the court system to have the individuals removed from the property, among some of its options.

Resident Pat Gotto who attended the meeting said while she doesn’t have any concerns with her neighbourhood she is worried about crime in the area.

“Certainly, we know there is an increase in crime in general, and drugs are a phenomenal problem,” she said. “We need to take action, whatever we can do to improve things.”

North Battleford Coun. Kent Lindgren believes the SCAN program is a practical way to look at involving all the community in tackling crime.

“To me, that’s really what we’re missing,” he said. “There are lots of pieces coming together. We all need to see our role in it. Tonight was about meaningful, practical ways we can all be involved, to look after our neighbours, and use the resources that are out there in the province.”

Community Safety Coordinator for the City of North Battleford Herb Sutton said SCAN is a tool people can use in the community.

“It’s just like Eyes that Care [program], Citizens on Patrol Security Camera Registry, the community barbecues we have been promoting in the neighbourhoods,” he said. “It’s all part of building a set of tools for residents to use to get involved in creating a safer community.”

People can contact the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Investigation Unit at their central offices in Prince Albert/Saskatoon and Regina.

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angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow