Anti-trespassing initiative toes legal line in Sask. city

As the cost of living continues to increase, it’s a problem in every city across the country. Homelessness is on the rise. But here in Moosejaw, a city 65 kilometers West of Regina, there’s a new solution to those who are homeless and trespassing. Police Service has unveiled the Trespass Prevention Program. It’s meant to get a handle on a problem raised by businesses in the city’s central business district. We would have to contact them. There was a process, and this now just allows us to act on their behalf. And sometimes, you know, someone might be there for a very lawful reason. You know, they might be working after hours, they might be cleaning or whatever the case may be. But, you know, the main thing is, is that the businesses we’re we’re acting on their behalf. Here’s how it works. Businesses register with the Moose Jaw police, then officers install a deckle just like this in the store’s window. That Deco tells police they can act as the owner of the property after business hours, meaning they can remove people from the premises for trespassing. The person removed could face a fine or be directed to other services. The business community has welcomed the new policy, with many already signing up. But organizations that support the homeless say they hope the new program strikes a balance. The officers really lead with empathy, and they already are familiar with the folks that are on the streets in Moose Jaw. They know them by name and the and the and the folks. The guests also know the police by name, and so they have previous relationships. They resource them to places that are safe for them to go and then where they are welcomed. Even with balance, legal experts say there is a potential risk. A Saskatoon defense lawyer says that risk arises if police attempt to act preemptively. There is ample case law that revolves around a term called investigatory detention. And if there’s one thing that our society takes pride in is that police leave us alone and and we can assume they’re going to leave us alone. Anytime an officer approaches someone, there’s almost a psychological detention and and it’s been. Deemed that by by the Supreme Court. Moose Jaw police say they’re proceeding with the program because it’s what’s wanted in the city of just 30,000 people, and that the new policy was inspired by similar programs in other jurisdictions. The Regina Police Service says it doesn’t have anything like this in place, but Saskatoon police say they do have something similar. Moosejaw’s new program is intended to be a three month pilot, but if it’s successful it could expand beyond the downtown core. Alexander Kwan, CBC News, Moose Jaw.