The Moose Jaw Police Service announced the official launch of their Trespass Prevention Program last Monday. 

The program involves police acting as a representative of the building's owners when they are not there to address possible trespassing incidents, either after hours or when a business is vacant.  

At Thursday’s Board of Police Commissioner’s meeting, Sergeant Ryan Lawrence shared that 12 businesses/multi-unit dwellings had signed up so far.  

The pilot program applies to those interested businesses and multi-unit dwellings between Oxford Street and Manitoba Street from north to south, and 2nd Ave NW and 2nd Ave NE from east to west.  

“That’s where we thought it was manageable to start,” explained Lawrence.  

“Somebody has contacted me outside the parameters, and I said we aren’t sticking to a hard and fast rule of when this can be extended. We will extend it as soon as we can – we just want to see how many bumps in the road we come up with.” 

The program is expected to expand to all of Moose Jaw after a three-month pilot.  

Lawrence said they’ve been approaching downtown businesses during their morning staff meetings. “That seems to be helpful in the messaging of this, but also just day-to-day operations and how the police can assist with that, with problematic people.” 

Police are expecting to stop by businesses that have already signed up with decals and information packages this week. Businesses or multi-unit dwellings interested in signing up for the trespassing program can find the online form here. 

Those who do not want to submit the form online can print and fill in the downloadable PDF and drop it off at the police station in person.  

Lawrence said that they will be tracking metrics and sharing that information with the board.