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Saskatoon school divisions are expressing concern after video footage of a man suspected of leaving used needles in parks and playgrounds was released by police.
According to the Saskatoon Police Service, officers have been aware of dirty needles found at multiple parks and playgrounds dating back to July of this year.
Police issued a warning on Thursday, after video evidence helped officers identify a suspect. He was described as a slim man in his late 30s or early 40s with stubble on his face and a mole under his eye on his right cheek.
In a statement, police encouraged parents, educators and caregivers to “remain observant when accessing public parks and playgrounds.”
UPDATE – News Release 2023-0640: Release of Surveillance Video – Request for Public Assistance: Discarded Needles https://saskatoonpolice.ca/news/2023640A video is attached to this post that includes two clips from two separate days."Members of the Saskatoon Police Service School Resource Unit are alerting members of the public to reports of used needles being intentionally discarded into school parks and playgrounds.In July and August of 2023, police became aware of several needles being found in the parks and playgrounds of schools located in the 1000 block of Hampton Circle and 400 block of Avenue W South. At the time, members of the School Resource Unit were not able to identify any avenues of investigation. More recently, police have received additional reports and obtained video evidence of a person of interest believed to be responsible for intentionally discarding the needles.He is described as a slim male in his late 30s or early 40s with stubble on his face, a mole on the cheek under his right eye, and a height between 5’8” and 5’11”. He has been observed on separate occasions wearing darker clothing while carrying a maroon/black backpack and walking stick(s). A photo is attached for distribution.Police are encouraging parents, guardians, caregivers, and educators to be remain observant when accessing public parks and playgrounds.The School Resource Unit is continuing to investigate; anyone with information or video evidence believed to be relevant is asked to contact police directly at 306-975-8300 or report it anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. In an emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately."
Posted by Saskatoon Police Service on Friday, October 20, 2023
Derrick Kunz, communications consultant with Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, called the incidents “a very large concern,” but noted the division’s schools follow certain safety protocols, such as walking the school grounds at the beginning of each day.
If needles are found, Kunz said the area is cordoned off until the sharps are removed and a more thorough sweep is done, adding that the school division follows guidelines from the City of Saskatoon on needle disposal.
Kunz said the school board is working with both the police and fire department on the matter, and added that the board will be sending out a safety message to parents regarding needles found on playgrounds.
“It’s important that parents have a conversation with their children about safety, to never touch anything (and) to make sure they inform a teacher or staff so it can be properly dealt with for safety,” he said.
Letters to parents about needles found around schools have been sent out by both the Catholic and public school divisions more than once, dating back to late September.
One letter said 15 needles were found, and in another case at least a dozen needles were found on the playground area of a Saskatoon school. Both letters stated that no students were harmed.
According to a report from the Saskatoon Fire Department, 15,976 needles were collected by firefighters in the city last year.
650 CKOM sent multiple requests to Saskatoon Public Schools for an interview regarding needles found on the playground at Ernest Linder School, but the requests were denied.
A statement from the school board acknowledged the situation was dangerous, and said the organization has been transparent with students, parents, caregivers, and staff when needles have been found.
“When needles or sharps are found on playgrounds, our staff cordon off the area until it can be safely cleaned up by custodial staff or the Saskatoon Fire Department,” the statement said, adding the school division also follows the City of Saskatoon’s guidelines for needle disposal, and reminds students to alert an adult if needles are spotted.
“The school division values its partnership with the Saskatoon Police Service and we are confident in their investigation into this matter,” the statement read.
–With files from 650 CKOM’s Lara Fominoff.