Released on April 7, 2009
The Saskatchewan Party government is keeping its promise to make Saskatchewan communities safer. The Ministry of Corrections, Public Safety and Policing, and the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General are together standing up to violence through several initiatives announced as part of this year's budget.
Thirty new police officers and three new prosecutors will help tackle violent crime across Saskatchewan, with $1.6 million to be dedicated for the 30 new police positions and $300,000 will pay for the three additional prosecutors.
"Keeping communities free of violent crime is a top priority for our government," Corrections, Public Safety and Policing Minister Darryl Hickie said. "Our commitment to add 120 new police officers over four years is one of many measures to help ensure the safety of Saskatchewan communities."
Twelve officers and the three prosecutors will be split evenly between Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert. Two officers will be hired under Yorkton's municipal police agreement with the RCMP. The remaining 16 positions are allocated to the RCMP. The RCMP will receive $3.8 million to support its National Back-up Policy that provides back-up to RCMP officers working in remote locations.
"Violent crime hurts individuals, families and our communities," Justice Minister and Attorney General Don Morgan said. "We are committed to working with communities and providing the support and funding needed to make Saskatchewan a safer place to live."
The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods program (SCAN) will receive $600,000 in additional funding and seven new positions, including five investigators and two support positions. These investigators will enhance SCAN's ability to evict residents from property being used for criminal activity as well as enhance the capacity to provide services to the north and rural Saskatchewan.
Also, $481,000 has been allocated toward Saskatchewan's participation in a Western Canada gang database to compile, analyze and share intelligence on organized crime and gang activity.
"New initiatives will help support our efforts to reduce crime across Saskatchewan," RCMP Assistant Commissioner Dale McGowan said.
"The combination of additional police resources and enhanced information sharing will help us address the levels of violent crime in our communities," Regina Police Chief Troy Hagen said.
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For more information, contact:
Linsay Rabyj
Justice/CPSP
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2626
Email: linsay.rabyj@gov.sk.ca