The Saskatchewan Marshals Service (SMS) says it has not selected or committed to buying specific tactical equipment for a proposed special response unit (SRU), after public questions about the agency’s plans and role in communities such as North Battleford.
RFP used to gather information, not to purchase
In a written response to media inquiries, the Marshals Service said a recent request for proposals (RFP) was intended to gather information about supplier availability, potential costs and delivery timelines. The response stressed the RFP does not bind the service to enter into any contract or to purchase any of the listed items.
That clarification comes as the agency — created by the provincial government — moves slowly to build its capacity. The service said the SRU is in the "very early stages of development" and that "no decisions have been made" about the unit’s equipment or exact operational role.
Numbers show rapid early activity
SMS also provided figures showing its deployment and early enforcement activity. The service reported an initial June summary covering operations that began May 20. That early period recorded 70 arrest attempts and 8 arrests. SMS says those totals have since increased substantially: the agency now reports 316 arrest attempts and 40 arrests, along with 112 condition and curfew checks.
| Metric | Early report | Updated total |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest attempts | 70 | 316 |
| Arrests | 8 | 40 |
| Condition/curfew checks | — | 112 |
Planned strength and current membership
The Marshals Service said the proposed SRU would be part of a planned complement of 70 active-duty officers. At present, the service has 27 sworn members deployed across the province. That gap underlines the early-stage nature of the organization and the work ahead to reach its stated capacity.
Local priorities: high-risk warrants in the Battlefords
Officials from the Marshals Service have described the kinds of work currently prioritised by regional teams. At an Aug. 17 presentation to North Battleford council, Inspector Sebastian Andrews of the Battlefords regional headquarters said the local focus is on high-risk and active warrants.
"One of our main concerns that we deal with as the marshals, especially [in] North Battleford, is high-risk and active warrants. That is our priority right now," Andrews said.
SMS has said those arrested in its early operations faced offences including failing to attend court, failing to comply with court-ordered conditions and other Criminal Code matters.
Questions remain over what the SRU adds
What remains unclear is the additional operational role a provincial SRU would fill beyond existing RCMP or municipal tactical teams. The Marshals Service acknowledged that question in its written response and reiterated that the SRU’s mandate and capabilities are still being developed.
Opposition figures and community members have raised concerns about transparency around the RFP and the potential for procuring tactical equipment without a clear public explanation of how and when it would be used. The Marshals Service response — emphasising the non-binding nature of the RFP — aims to address some of those concerns but does not yet satisfy calls for a fuller, public operational framework.
Operational risks cited as rationale
SMS also set out the rationale for developing specialist capabilities, saying the service’s mandate carries an inherent risk that marshals apprehending wanted people could encounter violent, armed or otherwise dangerous individuals. That risk, the agency says, informs planning for training, equipment and potential future units.
- Current sworn members: 27 across Saskatchewan
- Planned active-duty complement: 70 officers
- Updated activity totals: 316 arrest attempts; 40 arrests; 112 checks
As SMS continues to develop its capabilities and work toward the planned staffing levels, the public and elected officials will likely press for clearer explanations about how new units will operate, what safeguards will be in place and how the Marshals Service will coordinate with RCMP and municipal police services across the province.
Reporting on the Marshals Service remains ongoing as officials flesh out plans and municipalities seek further details about the scope and oversight of any new tactical capability.
