If you live in Saskatchewan, your chances of being a victim of crime are higher than anywhere else in Canada — and if you are Aboriginal, your chances are significantly higher than the general population.
Today, the University of Saskatchewan released an in-depth survey reflecting the views of Saskatchewan residents on crime, punishment and safety.
The “Taking the Pulse of Saskatchewan” survey found that despite the crime rate, most people feel safe and are happy with police.
Ninety-three per cent of respondents said they felt safe in their communities. That number fell to 81% for Aboriginal respondents.
On rising crime, 48% of Aboriginal respondents felt it had gone up, compared to 34% for non-Aboriginals.
People were also asked about crime reduction. The top three choices were increase punishment, increase prevention programs and increase social equality. Professor Carolyn Brown says the number one choice was get tougher.
Youth crime was also a hot topic in the poll. Saskatchewan has the highest youth crime rate in the country. Thirty-six per cent of respondents felt it had gone up — but that percentage nearly doubled in the Aboriginal community. Brown says 30% of respondents felt the best way to deal with it was through crime prevention programs, but almost 27% called for more punishment.
Most respondents, 85%, were satisfied with policing — but that number fell to 61% for Aboriginal respondents.