Special Investigations Unit
Background
The FSIN Justice Secretariat’s Special Investigations Unit was established in response the Federation’s call for a public inquiry into the justice system in February 2000. The call for a public inquiry came in response to: the death of Earla Brass in the Federally Sentenced Women’s unit at the Saskatchewan Penitentiary, the finding of two First Nations men who had frozen to death outside of Saskatoon, and the report by Darrell Night that two officers had driven him to the countryside and left him in the freezing cold.
As a result of intense media coverage of these events, calls began to flood into the Federation. Many callers phoned to extend their support to the Federation for the call for a public inquiry.
On March 1, 2000 the Federation established a Toll-Free Help Line to receive calls regarding abuse by police officers and other personnel within institutions of justice in Saskatchewan. On April 9, 2000, the Federation hired two private investigators to follow up on the complaints received via the Help Line.
Click Here to Download the SIU Pamphlet
How to Lodge a Complaint
Individuals who wish to lodge a complaint may contact the Special Investigations Unit at 1-877-353-3746 or (306) 665-2240;
Complaint Process
After the complaint is made, the Special Investigations Unit will contact the complainant and schedule an interview. During the interview, the complainant is requested to provide as much information as possible.
Complainants are advised of the Special Investigations Unit main principle that “each complainant owns their experience and has a right to determine how information is forwarded. No steps will be taken without authorization of the complainant”
Complainants are advised of the appropriate complaint agencies involved with a file;
o RCMP Public Complaints Commission;
o Saskatchewan Police Complaints Investigator;
o Saskatchewan Police Complaints Commission;
o Internal Investigations of the involved police force.
Once the Process is understood, the complainant must decide how he/she wishes to proceed with the complaint:
o If the Special Investigations Unit is to proceed with his/her complaint then a statement is obtained from him/her and from any witnesses;
o Justice Workers may refer complainants to our office.
The Special Investigations Unit can either:
o Assist the complainant in forwarding their complaint to the appropriate body; or
o The Special Investigations Unit can monitor the complaint to ensure it is investigated thoroughly;
o If the Special Investigations Unit is to monitor the complaint, then an Authorization for the “Release of Information” is signed by the complainant.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations
Justice Secretariat
Special Investigations Unit (SIU)
Direct: (306) 665-2240
Main: (306) 665-1215
Toll-Free: 1-877-353-3746
Fax: (306) 665-0134