Justice Canada has given the Saskatoon Police Victim Services Unit 2.5 years of federal funding for their new project, the Saskatoon Police Service Human Trafficking Response Team. This project is funding 2 full-time positions that will create a specialized and integrated team.

A Human Trafficking Responder will work alongside the SPS Vice unit investigators to provide support to victims and survivors of Human Trafficking. They will also help the victim navigate and understand the justice system, therefore increasing the chance of conviction. The Human Trafficking Liaison will enhance the detection, investigation and prosecution of human trafficking incidents in Saskatoon by work in partnership with our Indigenous Resource Officers to develop and deliver trauma-informed training for prosecutors and first responders.

The Human Trafficking response team’s work begins immediately, as both positions have been hired. The Liaison started work earlier last week, and the Responder is expected to begin their support in May.