Copyright: 2004 The StarPhoenix
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Website: http://www.canada.com/saskatoon/starphoenix/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/400
Note: Saskatchewan News Network; Regina Leader-Post

NEW LAW WOULD SHUT DOWN CRIME HOUSES

REGINA (SNN) -- The provincial government has introduced tough legislation
to shut down buildings used for drug dealing, prostitution and other
criminal activities.

The Safer Communities and Neighborhoods Act, introduced in the legislature
Tuesday, calls for the investigation and shutting down of buildings
suspected of being home to prostitution, illegal drug grow operations and
sales, child sexual abuse, solvent abuse and the illegal sale and use of
alcohol.

Regina police Chief Cal Johnston said there is no clear process to shut
down a house where illegal activity is taking place.

"What we lacked was an ability to deal with the use of that property and
the way it lent itself to that criminal behaviour. This act gives us that
now," said Johnston.

The act would create the new office of director of community operations.
Citizens would be able to make confidential complaints about a suspected
building to the director. Four investigators -- two in Saskatoon and two in
Regina -- would be employed to look into complaints.

The act is modelled after similar legislation in Manitoba.

"The Criminal Code and the criminal law is useful where you have proof of a
crime beyond a reasonable doubt. There has been perceived to be (a gap in
legislation) in some jurisdictions . . . and we perceive a gap here and we
intend to fill it," said Justice Minister Frank Quennell.

Following investigation, the property owner or landlord would be made aware
of the situation.

Quennell said this should often be enough for the activity to cease. If
illegal activity continues, the director can pursue a court order to shut
down the residence for 90 days or permanently. If there is evidence of
criminal activity, the local police service will be involved.

The program is expected to cost $346,000 a year. Quennell said he plans to
have the bill passed during this legislative session and come into effect
Oct. 1.