West central Saskatchewan residents will now be able to stay more up-to-date with criminal activity happening in their town and surrounding communities.

Yesterday the Saskatchewan RCMP announced that detachments will use send out alerts through text messages, emails or phone calls to residents through the Saskatchewan Crime Watch Advisory Network.

During the Town Hall meetings for Kindersley, Kerrobert and Eston held last fall, a main concern raised by the residents was a lack of police presence. Christine Tell, Corrections and Policing Minister, acknowledged the need for timely information to residents, “We know that people across our province want information to help keep their family and home safe. The Saskatchewan Crime Watch Advisory Network allows people to get reliable information right from the RCMP”.

During a press conference, the Saskatchewan RCMP stated that this advisory network is not the same as the push notifications that residents receive. It was said it is important to differentiate the two, as the push notifications deal with emergency issues regarding incidents such as natural disasters and amber alerts. Whereas, the advisory network will be used by the RCMP on a discretionary basis to inform residents of recent crimes within their community, or updates as investigations evolve on crimes less recent.

People are able to sign up and choose which municipalities they would like to receive updates on and how they would prefer be alerted, either through text, email or by phone.

The Saskatchewan RCMP said it is a new tool and they will work out the kinks as they go, however, feel that it is a positive addition to help keep residents informed and updated on their communities and hopefully will provide some peace of mind.

To sign up for the Saskatchewan Crime Watch Advisory Network, click here.