Gang Violence Reduction Strategy

Saskatchewan’s Gang Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS) is the Province’s response to help address the needs of individuals and communities impacted by street gangs in Saskatchewan. The strategy was developed to support individuals who are associated or orientated to street gangs. The goal is to reduce street gang-related crime and violence.

The GVRS is comprised of six strategic initiatives:

  • Enhanced policing;
  • Enhanced prosecutions (special Gang Prosecutor);
  • Enhanced criminal intelligence analytics;
  • Increased proven offender programming (Dedicated Substance Abuse Treatment Unit);
  • Improved correctional processes; and
  • Relentless outreach and prevention in community (Community Intervention Model).

The Community Intervention Model (CIM) is a gang-exit intervention model designed to provide gang affiliated individuals with access to multiple services across government and community in order to exit gang life, engage in education and/or employment opportunities, and ultimately reduce negative contact with the criminal justice system.

The individual must be:

  1. Gang Associated;
  2. Between 15-30 years old; and
  3. Assessed as high-risk to reoffend

The CIM Model is a three-phased, case-management focused approach that supports gang-affiliated individuals exit gang life and rejoin their communities by:

  1. Relentless Outreach and Stabilization: Individualized Support, 4-6 months

    During this phase, participants will have a dedicated Outreach Worker who helps co-ordinate government and community services.

  2. Transformation: Internal and Community Resources, 1-2 years

    Participants will have access to 16 months of internal programming, Indigenous cultural teachings, access to Elders and cultural workers, engaged community agencies and continual outreach services and individualized support.

  3. Support and Sustainment: Ongoing Support, 1-2 years

    Ongoing support for members even after they have moved through the initial phases of their healing.

Lead Support Agency: STR8-Up: 10,000 Healing Steps Inc.

If an individual does not meet the criteria of the CIM Program, but agrees to supports from other services, the following community agencies can be contacted for referrals to access services and supports:

  1. STR8-UP: Community Outreach Tel: 306-244-1771
  2. EGADZ: Street Outreach Team Tel: 306-221-3719
  3. John Howard Society of Saskatchewan

    Adults Reintegrating in Community (ARC): This program is designed to increase service provisions to adult male offenders reintegrating into the community. The program assists in reducing recidivism rates of offenders referred, and increases community safety while they transition back into their community. Each client is to have a client centered case plan developed prior to release by the JHSS Reintegration Worker that is supportive and acknowledging of the Correctional Reintegration Plan. This plan will also include the clients recognized needs and wants within their transitioning.

    Tel: 306-244-8347
    Toll Free: 1-877-244-8347

  4. Saskatoon Tribal Council

    Marijayne Deschambeault, Urban Justice Coordinator
    Email: mdeschambeault@sktc.sk.ca
    Tel: 306-242-7201

These agencies offer support and services for:

  • Mental health and addictions:
  • Housing/Homelessness;
  • Food security;
  • Working toward strengthening and reuniting families;
  • Assisting with developing parenting skills;
  • Education/schooling/literacy skill building;
  • Support during periods of incarceration;
  • Community and Correctional Outreach Workers – case planning advocacy, attending court and appointments.

For more information regarding these programs, please contact Restorative Justice Coordinator, Sgt. Erica Weber at restorative.justice@police.saskatoon.sk.ca