An internal review into the RCMP response to the mass stabbing incident on James Smith Cree Nation aims to prompt changes in policing procedures both provincially and nationally.

In September of 2022, while on statutory release, Myles Sanderson went on a stabbing rampage in the two communities of James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon. Eleven people died and 17 more were injured.

Alongside 36 recommendations, the 110-page report concluded that there was no “common underlying circumstance” that impacted the RCMP’s ability to respond, and any delays that occurred while officers were driving to the crime scenes were reasonable.

For example, the police vehicle dispatched to JSCN travelled at speeds up to 178 km/hr, and it took the officers 28 minutes to make the approximately 40-minute drive from Melfort.

The independent report flagged several communications issues that, if addressed, could streamline future response times and abilities. These recommendations suggest the RCMP continue working with the Province and the JSCN Band Council to address radio communication shortcomings, limiting the amount of time spent on the phone when the communications centre is experiencing a high volume of calls, and assigning a major crimes investigator, analyst, and supervisor to monitor and analyze the incoming calls in real time.

The report suggests mitigating the interoperability issues with Air Services communications and GPS systems to work with ERT communications and equipment. In response to this, the RCMP has ensured that communication between the Saskatchewan Emergency Response Team and Air Services has been improved.

Several non-communications related recommendations include considering seeking out additional training for select members and/or supervisors in the area of mass casualty events, and the creation of Mass Casualty or Mass Fatality ‘Victim Support kits’.

Sanderson was captured three days after his crime spree, however he died of a cocaine overdose shortly after he was taken into custody.