REGINA – The Saskatchewan RCMP’s Provincial General Investigation Section (GIS) is tasked with handling some of the most serious and complex crimes in the province.
In these investigations, GIS officers work with Saskatchewan’s Serious Incident Response Team, on Amber Alert investigations, and in collaboration with Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes Units, among others.
“These investigations can include serious assaults and attempted homicides, officer-involved shootings, kidnappings, child abuse and exploitation, significant fraud, serious weapons offences, and sometimes homicides,” said the RCMP in a media release.
RCMP GIS investigators bring specialized expertise to their work, including search warrant and judicial authorization drafting, interviewing, major case management principles (police methodology for managing major incidents), crime scene management and preparing and providing testimony, to name a few.
Their role is critical in supporting frontline RCMP detachments, allowing general duty officers to focus on day-to-day policing while GIS takes the lead on lengthy, complex investigations.
With teams based in North Battleford, Prince Albert, Regina, and Saskatoon, GIS is strategically positioned to deploy across Saskatchewan. In 2024 alone, the unit managed over 1,600 files, often collaborating with local officers who provide crucial community insight.
Recent success: Bank robbery and ATM theft ring busted
One notable case involved GIS investigators laying 64 charges against three individuals tied to a Landis bank robbery in November 2024 and a series of ATM thefts across south and central Saskatchewan. The accused were linked to crimes occurring between November 2024 and January 2025.
Trauma-informed policing: A victim-centred approach
Beyond their investigative skills, GIS officers are trained and experienced in understanding the physiological and psychological impacts of trauma, recognizing the signs of and reactions to trauma, avoiding re-traumatization and knowing what supports are available for individuals affected by trauma.
This doesn’t only apply to when officers are dealing with victims, but also when dealing with families, communities, fellow first responders or others involved in the criminal justice system, such as offenders.
“Investigators approach interactions with sensitivity, understanding and empathy,” said the Saskatchewan RCMP media department.
This approach is embedded in policies for sexual assault, child abuse, and domestic violence cases, fostering trust and improving investigation outcomes.
Cross-border collaboration: From Saskatchewan to Mexico
GIS frequently partners with national and international agencies, including Interpol and the FBI, to combat crime that extends beyond provincial borders.
In one case, North Battleford General Investigation Section (GIS) immediately began investigating after the Saskatchewan Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit received a referral from the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that a man at a home on Red Pheasant Cree Nation was allegedly selling child pornography on a social media platform.
As a result of their efforts, a 25-year-old man was arrested and charged with seven offences. This investigation was part of Canadian operation involving the RCMP’s National Child Exploitation Centre, the Ontario Provincial Police and the Sûreté du Québec that focused on online child sexual exploitation in which 106 individuals were arrested and 37 children safeguarded as of March.
In another case, a 30-year-old Saskatchewan man who fled to Mexico after being charged with sexual offences against a child was extradited back to Canada following a 19-month international effort.
Saskatchewan RCMP worked with Interpol, Crown Prosecution, and RCMP Liaison Officers in Mexico to locate and extradite the accused back to Canada to face charges. Investigators with GIS flew down to Mexico to bring the accused back to Saskatchewan. Upon his return to Canada, he was held in custody until January when he pled guilty in court.
Insp. Ashley St. Germaine, Senior Investigative Officer with Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes Branch, praised GIS’s dedication.
“Our investigators worked diligently with partners at INTERPOL and in Mexico to locate and bring the accused back to Canada where he could answer to the serious charges he was facing. Yes, the investigation was a lengthy one, but our officers never stopped working on this case and did everything within their abilities to put a stop to this offender’s actions. Part of that means taking the necessary steps to ensure the evidence is solid and prosecutable in court. I’m very proud of the work our investigators did in this case.”
