Here's a look inside Saskatchewan RCMP's unit specializing in crimes with unknown offenders
The Violent Crime Linkage Analysis System (ViCLAS) Unit is often unseen – working in the background of investigations across Saskatchewan.
“To put it simply – we analyze cases with unknown offenders,” Sgt. Nick Smyth explained.
Smyth works as a manager of Saskatchewan RCMP’s ViCLAS Unit.
The unit mostly works with homicide or sexually based investigations.
"Through analyzing the behaviors in that case – we try to link the case – with other cases with known offenders," Smyth said.
One such example was in February of 2021. RCMP in Swift Current were investigating indecent messages sent on a social media app.
ViCLAS was brought in – analyzed the data and managed to identify a suspect.
The man was charged with one count of indecent communications and later convicted.
Smyth was sure to be clear on a certain fact – his unit’s work is not the same as the police procedurals you can watch on TV.
"We're not profilers,” he said.
“In the general public, we take so much of what we believe, [what] we know about policing from what we see on TV which as we know is definitely exaggerated,” he added.
Saskatchewan RCMP’s ViCLAS Unit assists in hundreds of cases every year. However, the unit was recently able to get some additional training from Carl Sesely, an investigator with the national ViCLAS unit.
"That behaviour can paint a picture of what that offender is like,” Sesely said, explaining the process of profiling.
“We can give you an age range. How experienced he is. How confident they are, education level in some cases [and] even be able to tell you what kind of car they are driving."
Sesely has been a profiler for more than 20 years – working on thousands of cases. In that time, he says investigators develop a sense for the truth and ways of getting it.
"Different sex offenders respond in different ways to speaking to someone,” he said. “It’s about how you speak to them that can help them tell the truth."
For Smyth, the best part of the job is simple.
“The rare time, we do learn the work we have done has led to – what we call a ‘confirmed link,’” he said.
“It's almost cause for celebration. It's a good feeling."
While Hollywood productions have skewed the reality of what police investigations look like – the analysis of Saskatchewan’s ViCLAS unit remains an important tool in every case.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian team told Trump's tariffs unavoidable right now, but solutions on the table in surprise Mar-a-Lago meeting
During a surprise dinner at Mar-a-Lago, representatives of the federal government were told U.S. tariffs from the incoming Donald Trump administration cannot be avoided in the immediate term, two government sources tell CTV News.
Pedestrian killed by Via Rail train near Kingston, Ont.
Regular rail traffic has resumed with severe delays.
Muskoka reacts to major snowfall, hundreds stuck on Highway 11
From road closures, power outages, weather declarations and nonstop shovelling, Muskoka residents were faced with nearly a metre of persistent snowfall on Saturday.
Saskatoon priest accused of sexual assault says he meant to encourage young girl with hug and kiss
A Saskatoon priest accused of sexual assault says he meant to encourage and reassure a young girl when he hugged and kissed during his testimony at Saskatoon Provincial Court Friday.
Beef prices reach record highs in Canada
The cost of beef continues to rise, reaching record highs on grocery store shelves ahead of the busiest time for many grocers and butchers before the holiday season.
Trump threatens 100% tariff on the BRIC bloc of nations if they act to undermine U.S. dollar
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump on Saturday threatened 100 per cent tariffs against a bloc of nine nations if they act to undermine the U.S. dollar.
Bob Bryar, drummer for rock band My Chemical Romance, dead at 44
Bob Bryar, former drummer for the band My Chemical Romance, has died. He was reportedly 44.
Toronto man accused of posing as surgeon, giving four women injections
A 29-year-old Toronto man has been charged after allegedly posing as a surgeon and providing cosmetic procedures on several women.
'Disappointing': Toronto speed camera cut down less than 24 hours after being reinstalled
A Toronto speed camera notorious for issuing tens of thousands of tickets to drivers has been cut down again less than 24 hours after it was reinstalled.