Update: 5:09 PM
The Prince Albert Board of Police Commissioners has responded to the release of the independent report’s recommendations.
In a media release sent out late Tuesday afternoon the board said they are committed to making needed changes to the Prince Albert Police Service where needed. The statement said some of the recommended changes have already been made.
Board Chair Janet Carriere said they are also committed to working with the provincial government during the process.
“We look forward to continuing to work with Minister Tell and her senior ministry officials to reinforce best practices in Prince Albert Police Service operations and its governance model,” she said.
Update: 2:12 PM
The Prince Albert Police said it is committed to evaluating and responding to 45 recommendations outlined in an independent review of operations.
Acting Police Chief Patrick Noiger acknowledged ‘the successful implementation of recommended change is pivotal in further strengthening our commitment to the community. We are fully aware that the recommendations will have a significant impact on our operations and financial management. However, we are steadfast in our determination to rise to the challenge and implement change effectively and efficiently,” he explained in a statement.
“The PAPS is dedicated to maintaining the highest levels of professionalism, accountability, and community-oriented policing. We believe that the implementation of the independent review recommendations will further strengthen our commitment to these principles and enable us to better serve and protect our diverse community.”
——–
The provincial government is releasing the recommendations coming from an independent review of the operations of the Prince Albert Police Service (PAPS).
The Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety ordered the review in Nov. 2022. The review finished up in the spring of 2023 and is putting forth 45 separate recommendations. PAPS Recommendations.
The recommendations touch on a number of areas of the police service’s operations and include developing an annual strategic plan for the police service. It is also being recommended that the Prince Albert Police Association have a full time president and that work be done to improve communication with the association and management. Changes are also being recommended when it comes to the Board of Police Commissioners, including not having all board membership turn over at the same time. It is also being recommended that when a new permanent police chief is hired that the person come from outside the police service.
Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Christine Tell said work is already underway to put the recommendations from the review into practice.
“Government is working with the Prince Albert Board of Police Commissioners, the interim chief and the Prince Albert Police Association to implement these recommendations and move forward,” she said.