REGINA — Sirens didn’t signal trouble at the Cornwall Centre on Thursday… they signalled community.
You can watch the highlight video and more funny moments with local comedian and Stakeholder Relations Director at SGI here.
In the middle of one of Regina’s busiest shopping spaces, local leaders, volunteers and well-known faces were “arrested,” locked behind temporary bars, and challenged to raise their way to freedom. By the end of the day, the Regina Crime Stoppers' Jail & Bail fundraiser had brought in more than $40,000, all in support of a program that quietly plays a major role in public safety across the city.
For organizers, the return of the event marked both a celebration and a necessity.
“Today we’re reenacting the Jail and Bail fundraiser, which is something we did in the ’80s, and since we celebrated our 40th anniversary, we thought we’d bring it back,” said Kevin Bassendowski, president of Regina Crime Stoppers.
“Jail and Bail is an awesome initiative where we bring together the community with police, government, the public and the press. The big thing we’re doing here today is community outreach, reminding people what Regina Crime Stoppers does, and reaching out to the community in case they ever need us.”
A bridge between police and the public
For police, the importance of Crime Stoppers goes far beyond fundraising.
“Well, Crime Stoppers, I really think of it as the bridge between the police service and the community,” said Lorilee Davies, Chief of the Regina Police Service.
“It’s such a great opportunity for people to have a role in community safety, but not necessarily have to go directly to police if maybe there isn’t that confidence or that trust. The results are amazing for our community in terms of the tips that come in, the charges we’re able to lay, and the property and drugs seized.”
Davies said events like Jail & Bail serve a dual purpose: raising both funds and awareness.
“I think the beauty of this event is really raising awareness about the program,” she said. “It’s a fun way to engage the community, and at the same time, it’s a great way to raise funds for an amazing program.”
Real impact behind the fun
While the atmosphere at the mall was lighthearted with mock arrests, phone calls for bail money, and plenty of laughter—the need behind the event is serious.
Crime Stoppers programs allow people to submit tips anonymously, helping police solve crimes without requiring tipsters to reveal their identity. That anonymity is key to encouraging participation from those who may otherwise stay silent.
In Regina alone, the numbers tell the story.
“We had over 932 tips called in last year and awarded about $18,000 in tips,” Bassendowski said. “We just want to make sure that Regina Crime Stoppers is sustainable for years to come, so we have the money to support those tips.”
Those tips have led to arrests, recovered property and the seizure of illegal drugs—outcomes that directly impact community safety.
Government support and community momentum
The event also drew attention from provincial leadership, including Tim McLeod’s office, represented Thursday by Michael Weger.
“An event like this shows the importance of raising awareness for Crime Stoppers,” Weger said. “People are engaged, and their tips help police services be effective in addressing crime. I’m here to show support for the volunteers and the work being done.”
A day of “arrests” with a purpose
Throughout the day, notable community members were “detained” in the centre court, tasked with raising donations through calls, online contributions and in-person support to secure their release.
The format may be playful, but it reflects a deeper truth—community safety depends on community involvement.
Funds raised go directly toward tip rewards, as well as education and outreach efforts designed to keep Crime Stoppers visible and accessible.
For Bassendowski, that visibility is everything.
“Crime Stoppers is important because there are people out there who may not feel comfortable going directly to police,” he said. “We provide a guaranteed anonymous way to report crime in Regina.”
More than a fundraiser
The return of Jail & Bail, a concept dating back decades, highlights how community-driven initiatives continue to evolve while staying rooted in the same mission.
As the event wrapped up, the handcuffs came off—but the message remained.
Community safety is not just the responsibility of police.
It belongs to everyone.
And on this day in Regina, that responsibility came with a price tag, a smile, and a very good cause.
