Led by the EPS Missing Persons Unit, this initiative takes place each fall when river levels are among their lowest. It is a collaboration between EPS, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services, City of Edmonton park rangers and local search and rescue organizations. EPS Remote Piloted Aircraft Systems, or “drones” will also be deployed.
“The North Saskatchewan is a major river that flows through many communities, and unfortunately, that does mean that human remains are recovered from the river and its environs each year,” says Sgt. Rebecca Wright, with the EPS Missing Persons Unit. “This annual sweep gives us a chance to do a thorough search of the river and its valley before winter sets in, and potentially resolve some of our outstanding missing persons files and bring resolution to families.”
PSD Jolly, the EPS’s second-ever Human Remains Detection Dog, will also participate in the search.
“PSD Jolly is an invaluable addition to our Canine Unit,” says Cst. Dennis Dalziel, EPS Canine Detection Trainer. “Her specialized training differs from that of our other police canines, including her ability to detect human remains even under water.”
This year, police are raising awareness of missing person Jeannine Ermineskin and encouraging media and the public to report any tips about her last known whereabouts.
Missing woman: Jeannine Ermineskin, 38
Ermineskin is described as an Indigenous female who stands 5’8” with blue eyes, long blond hair, and thin build. She was 38 at the time of her disappearance, and was last seen wearing a black jacket, black pants, and a red and white scarf. She was last seen on Jan. 6, 2022, and is known to frequent the downtown core.
“While we never want to rule out any outcomes, we do have to consider the possibility that a missing person may be deceased,” says Sgt. Wright. “Unfortunately, searching for remains is one of the investigative tasks we have to complete.”
Anyone with information about Jeannine Ermineskin or any missing personis asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.