The Saskatchewan ICE unit continues to work hard to protect children in Saskatchewan. The unit had a busy 2021 with another increase in files over 2020. The steady flow of files has led to many charges, stopping abuse and getting help to children in need.
Total Investigations 853
Regina Office 379
Saskatoon Office 292
Prince Albert Office 113
Moose Jaw Office 24
Provincial Co-ordinator 45
Total number of Charges 97
Total Number of Person Charged 37
Charges Breakdown
Luring a Child 11
Making Child Pornography 2
Transmit, Make Available, Distribute CP 20
Possession of Child Pornography 37
Accessing Child Pornography 3
Breach of Condition; Fail to Comply 5
Bestiality 2
Sadly, the number of Saskatchewan ICE files has grown over the years. The Saskatchewan ICE Unit receives files from national programs, police agencies and searching online. Also, members of the public are reporting more as awareness grows. Government programs, social media and media attention has brought these issues to light. Everyone working together, plus increased awareness has led to an increase in files.
“The dedication of the members of the Saskatchewan ICE unit is to be commended. They work through horrendous files and approach each case with compassion and professionalism while working hard to provide detailed and comprehensive information to the courts. They care about the safety of the children of Saskatchewan and it shows through their dedication,” said Staff Sgt. Shawn Stubbs, Provincial Coordinator for the Saskatchewan ICE unit.
If members of the public have concerns about something they or their children find online, they should contact their local police service or online at Cybertip.ca or for more information.
Cybertip has information and online tips:
Online safety tips for families
1. Have regular conversations about online safety. This includes talking about the online games your kids are playing, the apps they’re using, and who they are chatting with. For tips on how to get the discussion started, visit protectkidsonline.ca for age appropriate ideas.
2. Set the expectation you will monitor your child’s online activities, and work together to establish guidelines around texting, social media, live streaming, and gaming, such as who your child can do these things with and on what apps.
3. For younger children, help them create their login, password, and profile information ensuring it is set to private. For tweens and teens, help set up privacy settings in apps/games/social accounts. With a private account, users can approve or deny followers/friends, restrict who can view their content and profile information, and limit incoming messages to followers/friends only. Work together to decide who to accept as followers/friends.
4. Tell your child that if they come across something or someone while online that makes them feel uncomfortable, they can tell you without fear of getting in trouble or losing digital privileges. Remind them their safety is what is most important to you.
5. If you see, read, or hear anything sexual from an adult towards your child online, report it to Cybertip.ca.
For more information visit:
The Saskatchewan ICE Unit is comprised of the Provincial Coordinator S/Sgt. Shawn Stubbs and investigators from Prince Albert Police Service, RCMP, Regina Police Service, and the Saskatoon Police Service. Their mandate is to investigate crimes involving the abuse and/or exploitation of children on the Internet.