Probation system set up for failure, former inmates say

When it comes to violating terms of their parole or probation,Saskatchewan criminals are frequent offenders compared to the rest of Canada.

However, people familiar with the justice system say there is more to the story.

• Jail escapes, breaches, related offences high in Sask., StatsCan says

In Saskatoon FatherAndr Polivre is a key figure atSTR8 UP, an organization that helps people leave gang life or their criminal pasts behind.

Going to jail was almost what I considered a freedom.- Jorgina Sunn

Polivre says the justice system needs to do a better job of supporting people once they leave prison.

"Young people are dropped out of the courtroom and dropped out of the jail, and they're on their own. Bang. Except for a whole bunch of conditions that will put them back in there,"Polivre said.

According to information from Statistics Canada, Saskatchewan has the lowest rate ofkeeping people out of jail once they've been released.

Polivre believes there should be as much support for helping people stay out of prison as there are resources dedicated to bringing them back inside in the event of a breach.

'There is a reason why these people are offending'

Several people at the STR8 UPcentre spoke about the issue and had first-hand experiences.

"When I was on probation, there was factors of homelessness, addiction, family life circumstances, the violence that comes on the street," Jorgina Sunn said. "You're not thinking about going into an office when you haven't showered for three days, have no place to live and checking in to make sure you don't go back to jail."

Sunn said for some people jail provides more stability than the street.

"Going to jail was almost what I considered a freedombecause I had mealsand I had safety," Sunn said.

She added thatsome will purposefully breach their probationin the winter months.

"They can't tough it out on the street, especially in Saskatchewan," she said.

Sunn said there should be programs that help people recover from their trauma and addictions when they leave incarceration.

"There's a reason why these people are offending," Sunn said.

'You don't feel like a person in there'

It's been five months since Faith Eagle completed a probation period.She said the system doesn't work to help people get out of a life of crime.If anything, Eagle said the system makes things worse.

"You don't even feel like a person in there. And then you come out and you feel all ugly about yourself, you don't have no self esteem, you don't have no confidence," she said.

IvanCampeau, said he was out of the system for many years until the past summer. Nowhe has to follow a curfew from 11 p.m. until 7 a.m. He wants to visit hischildren in Winnipeg, on an approved visit, but he feels that he is cutting itclose with travel time and is worried he'll breach.

David "Baldhead"Shingoosesaid he has faced harsh probation conditions in the past. He is currently facing a charge which he plans to defend in court. Shingoosesaidit'seasy to breach conditions, especially breaking curfews.

"I know people that have curfews at eight o'clock, seven o'clock. Man, that's around supper time. That's right when your job ends. Yougottaget home right at that time [and] if you don'tyou'rethrown back in the box," he said. "It's really easy to breach man. Easy. Drink: they smell that one beer on your breath [and] you're thrownback in."

Shingoosesaid he feels people who work in the justice system need to be more patient.

"Treat us like human beings, give us chances," he said.

Shingoose said he and the other members of STR8 UP are trying to make a positive impact on the community now and are trying to deal with their past by find healthier ways to cope day to day.