BRINGING FAIRNESS TO POLICING COSTS

Released on September 20, 2001

A new formula for calculating the cost of RCMP services will reduce the

disparities in policing costs between communities in Saskatchewan.



"Providing affordable, quality policing for towns, villages and rural areas

is a key part of keeping our communities safe," Justice Minister Chris

Axworthy said. "This new formula distributes the cost of policing more

fairly."



Currently, towns and villages with populations between 500 and 5,000 with

an RCMP detachment pay between $33 and $99 per capita for policing

services. Those without a detachment pay a flat rate of $15.61 per

person. In some cases, neighbouring towns receiving similar policing

services experience a great disparity in the cost of that service.



Under the new formula, towns and villages with populations between 500 and

5,000 with an RCMP detachment will pay a flat rate of $57 per person, and

those without a detachment will pay $42.



The costs for villages and hamlets of less than 500 people with a

detachment will change from $33 to $40 per capita. Those without a

detachment and rural municipalities will see costs change from $15.61 to

$20 per capita.



The Government of Saskatchewan will spend $83 million to provide police

services this year, about $6 million more than last year. In 2001, none of

the $6 million cost increase will be passed on to municipalities. In 2002,

the municipal share of policing costs will increase by about $1 million, to

a total of $12 million. Still, the provincial government pays 87 per cent

of the cost of policing these communities, municipalities 13 per cent.



The new formula will take effect in 2002 to ensure municipalities have time

to plan for the changes.



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For more information, contact:



Jeff Bohach

Saskatchewan Justice

Regina

Phone: 787-5657

e-mail: jbohach@justice.gov.sk.ca