Saskatchewan’s Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit is seeing the highest number of child sexual abuse material cases ever recorded.
The unit investigated 1,003 new cases in the 2023-24 fiscal year. This was up from 931 the year before and 853 in 2021-22. Investigators expect to reach 1,317 new cases by the end of this fiscal year.
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“Surpassing last year’s number of files isn’t just a statistic, it’s a testament to the growing challenges we as ICE investigators face,” said Saskatoon Police Staff Sgt. and ICE Unit Coordinator Tim Failler.
The ICE Unit executed 58 search warrants last fiscal year. By March 13 of this year, they had already carried out 86.
Tech makes exploitation easier
As more people use the Internet, children are at greater risk than ever.
“Technology makes acquiring child sexual assault material easy for offenders, it’s no longer in the shadows. You can get it within seconds and with very little effort,” said Failler. “You don’t need to have any special technological training to be an offender, your phone is the pathway.”
The ICE Unit has also been assisting Saskatchewan RCMP detachments at a record pace. In just 10 months, they received over 150 requests for help.
“Many people in Saskatchewan see Internet crimes as just a big-city concern, but the truth is, they can, and do, happen right here all across our province,” said Failler.
“Just look around, almost everyone has access to a phone. These crimes can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. Perhaps it’s not you specifically – but victims could be your loved ones or friends.”
Exploitation investigations more difficult
Many ICE cases involve encrypted files, anonymity tools, and large amounts of digital evidence.
“Generally, when we are investigating files, we search phones, computers, tablets and hard drives extensively to verify whether there is further criminality taking place. It could take weeks to examine, depending on the amount of data that is seized and the complexity of the encryption,” said Failler.
ICE investigators are also under significant psychological strain.
“Our ICE investigators are dedicated to helping keep children of Saskatchewan safe. It’s a complex task and they work on difficult files, but they approach each file with professionalism and compassion,” said Failler.
How to keep kids safe
ICE urges parents to talk to their kids about online safety.
“You don’t tell a child to walk across the street without telling them to look both ways. The Internet is no different: both require caution, education and awareness to navigate safely,” said Failler.
The ICE Unit educates families and schools about online dangers. Last year, officers gave 46 presentations across Saskatchewan.
“We want people to know the police are here to support them. It’s our job to investigate the reports we receive and find ways to bring education and awareness to the community to help protect children from being victimized,” said Failler.
Parents and guardians can take steps to keep kids safe:
- Talk to kids about online risks and encourage open communication.
- Remind them that people online may not be who they say they are.
- Learn how social media apps work and discuss them with your child.
- Never share personal information online.
- Keep devices in common areas where screens are visible.
- Teach kids that online photos and messages can be saved or shared.
If you or your child are targeted online:
- Report it to police or via cybertip.ca.
- Stop all contact with the suspect.
- Do not comply with any threats.
- Save screenshots and messages as evidence.
- Seek support from police and trusted adults.
“Parents and guardians can’t be everywhere at once. We need to do everything in our power as police officers, parents and guardians to help youth make informed decisions while navigating the ever-changing digital world,” said Failler.
The Saskatchewan Internet Child Exploitation Unit includes members from the Saskatchewan RCMP, Regina Police Service, Saskatoon Police Service, and Prince Albert Police Service.
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