Released on November 3, 2016
The Cities of Saskatoon and Regina will continue to benefit from funding for targeted police initiatives that help keep their communities safe. The Government of Saskatchewan is providing $4.6 million for 39 police officers in Regina and $4.8 million for 42 police officers in Saskatoon.“This funding allows Regina and Saskatoon to focus on community safety and well-being through targeted enforcement and priority activities,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant said. “This ensures that Saskatchewan communities are safe, so they can continue to be the best place to live, work and raise a family.”
These grants continue to build on the partnership between government and provincial police leaders by supporting shared priorities, such as the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (organized crime), the Internet Child Exploitation Unit, Enhanced Investigations, Missing Persons, Serious Violent Offender Program, Police and Crisis Team and Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan.
“The Municipal Police Grants round out our organization by building our capacity to specialize and focus on the issues that most concern our community,” Regina Police Service Chief Evan Bray said. “With these grants, we can evolve to keep pace with ever-changing and increasingly complex crime trends. We are grateful that the Provincial Government continues to demonstrate its commitment to enhance the safety of our municipalities and rural communities.”
“The continued support shown by the Province of Saskatchewan is critical to enhancing our efforts to reduce and deter violent crime, gang activity and child exploitation,” Saskatoon Police Chief Clive Weighill said. “Provincial grants also greatly assist the Saskatoon Police Service in its response to emergency calls involving persons with mental health or addiction issues with the Police and Crisis Team.”
This funding is part of $14.2 million provided to municipalities for 125 targeted police officer positions across the province. More than $109 million has been invested in community safety province-wide through Municipal Police Grants since 2008-09. Regina and Saskatoon police services have received more than $75.2 million since 2008-09.
-30-For more information, contact:
Drew Wilby
Corrections and Policing
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5883
Email: drew.wilby@gov.sk.ca