An issue came up with parking tickets this week after the recent snowfall. In response, Police Chief Paul Ladouceur has issued the following press release: 

"In the early morning hours of March 6th, the City of Estevan placed temporary no parking signs on 2nd Street to allow for the removal of snow following a winter storm. On March 7th the city returned to find that several cars were parked in contravention of posted signs making it difficult to move forward with snow clearing. The snow removal staff subsequently contacted the City of Estevan Bylaw Department to advise of the situation.  As a result, approximately 15 parking tickets were issued. A marked police vehicle was also parked on 2nd Street at this time. Members of the public have taken to social media and have attended to the police service as there was no ticket observed on the windshield of the Police Vehicle which was believed to be a double standard by many members of the public."

"I wish to make the community aware that members of the Estevan Police Service are held to the same standard as the general public and in many cases to a higher standard. When a parking violation is issued; it is issued to the registered owner of the vehicle and not to the driver. The bylaw enforcement officer reported this matter to the administration of the Police Service immediately. She did not place a ticket directly on the vehicle as she was concerned that this could result in a case of the City receiving a ticket and then paying the ticket out of the budget which essentially means that the ticket would be paid by the taxpayers.

"When an incident such as this occurs the ticket is paid for by the registered owner (the police service) and the member, if found to be responsible, is requested to reimburse the service the total amount of the ticket. If the member declines to pay the ticket further action may be taken pursuant to the Saskatchewan Police Act.   In any event, should the officer be found in violation with supporting evidence, they are held accountable."

"I would encourage any member of the public that has questions or concerns regarding police officer accountability to contact me directly. Many times these misconceptions can be clarified through conversation. As a police service, we do not engage in public debate via social media."