Report a Hate Crime in Saskatoon - Police Process

Civil Rights and Equity Saskatchewan 3 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of Saskatchewan

In Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, reporting a hate-motivated incident starts with contacting police or a municipal complaint office depending on the situation. This guide explains how to report to the Saskatoon Police Service, what to expect in the investigation, municipal complaint routes where applicable, and practical steps victims and witnesses can take to preserve evidence and get support.[1]

Who investigates and when to call

The primary investigator for criminal hate-motivated incidents in the city is the Saskatoon Police Service; call 911 for emergencies or use the police non-emergency/reporting options for incidents that are not in progress. Non-criminal municipal complaints that may have a bias element are handled by City of Saskatoon bylaw enforcement or the appropriate municipal service.[1][3]

If you or someone is in immediate danger, call 911 now.

Penalties & Enforcement

Criminal charges for hate-motivated acts are prosecuted under the Criminal Code of Canada; penalties depend on the specific offence charged and the applicable sections of the Code. For specific offence penalties or fine amounts, consult federal statutes or the prosecuting authority; the general guidance page for hate crimes refers to applicable Criminal Code provisions but does not list fixed fine amounts on that page.[2]

  • Enforcer: Saskatoon Police Service for criminal matters; Saskatchewan prosecution services and federal courts for charges.
  • Municipal enforcement: City of Saskatoon Bylaw Enforcement for municipal complaints or bylaw-related incidents.
  • Fines: not specified on the cited Criminal Code guidance page; fines and sentences vary by charged offence.
  • Escalation: first versus repeat/continuing offences depend on charges laid and Crown prosecution decisions; not specified as flat ranges on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: may include court orders, probation conditions, restitution, weapon prohibitions, or seizure related to a conviction.
  • Inspection/complaint pathways: report to police by phone or online reporting; contact City of Saskatoon bylaw enforcement for non-criminal municipal complaints.[1][3]
Penalties depend on the exact Criminal Code offence charged and judicial sentencing rules.

Applications & Forms

There is no special municipal "hate crime" form to initiate a criminal investigation; victims file police reports directly. For bylaw complaints, the City of Saskatoon provides online complaint/report forms on its bylaw enforcement pages if a municipal matter is alleged.[3]

Practical steps when reporting

  • Preserve evidence: keep messages, photos, video, or witness contact details.
  • Emergency: call 911 for threats, ongoing violence, or immediate danger.
  • Non-emergency report: use Saskatoon Police non-emergency reporting options for incidents that have occurred and are not in progress.[1]
  • Victim support: ask police about Victim Services and counselling referrals during or after reporting.
Document dates, times, and any witnesses as soon as possible after the incident.

How evidence and investigation typically proceed

After a report, police decide whether to open a criminal investigation. Investigation steps can include interviewing victims and witnesses, collecting digital evidence, reviewing CCTV, and consulting with Crown prosecutors on charges. The Crown decides on charges and prosecutions based on evidence. For statutory context and prosecutorial guidance, see federal Criminal Code resources on hate-motivated offences.[2]

FAQ

How do I report a hate crime in Saskatoon?
Call 911 for emergencies or contact the Saskatoon Police Service non-emergency/reporting options; for municipal bylaw concerns, contact City of Saskatoon Bylaw Enforcement.[1][3]
Will the police keep my identity private?
Police will discuss confidentiality and victim support; some information may be required for investigation or prosecution.
Can I file a human rights complaint instead of a criminal report?
You may file a human rights complaint for discrimination separately with provincial human rights bodies, but criminal reporting to police is appropriate for threats, violence, or property offences motivated by hate.

How-To

  1. Call 911 if the incident is in progress or someone is injured.
  2. Preserve any evidence: save messages, photos, video, and record witness names.
  3. Contact the Saskatoon Police Service via non-emergency number or online reporting to file a report.[1]
  4. Request Victim Services and obtain a file number for follow up.
  5. For non-criminal municipal issues, submit a bylaw complaint through City of Saskatoon channels.[3]
Ask police for the file number and the name of the investigator handling your case.

Key Takeaways

  • For emergencies call 911; non-emergencies use Saskatoon Police reporting options.
  • Preserve evidence and request Victim Services when reporting.
  • Criminal penalties vary by Criminal Code offence; municipal fines are handled via bylaw channels.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Saskatoon Police Service - official reporting and victim support pages
  2. [2] Department of Justice Canada - information on hate-motivated crimes
  3. [3] City of Saskatoon - Bylaw Enforcement and complaint reporting

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