La Ronge chosen as RCMP pilot project site to reduce gang activity
The Saskatchewan RCMP have initiated a pilot project in La Ronge called End Gang Life, which will be expanded provincially if proven effective.
That’s according to community program officer, Alex Turcotte, who said she spent part of November and December assisting ‘F’ Division in Regina with the prevention and education components of the strategy. She noted End Gang Life was found to be successful in British Columbia, adding the project is expected to begin in the tri-communities some time in January and will target young people between Grades 5-8.
“A lot of kids are recruited into gangs before age 12,” Turcotte said. “They tend to feel unwanted by society, parents and peers. Often they are recruited so gradually they don’t even know they are being recruited.”
The first component of the plan will be a series of educational modules, which are expected to be delivered at schools in the detachment’s jurisdictional coverage. Turcotte stated the modules can either be presented twice per week for three weeks or on multiple dates in a six-week span. With the educational component being rather short, she believes it will make it easier for schools if they have to implement the project themselves.