Released on September 14, 2009
In an effort to combat illegal drug use and its associated criminal activities in northern Saskatchewan, the Ministry of Corrections, Public Safety and Policing is funding a new enforcement unit made up of members from the RCMP and the Prince Albert Police Service.
"This initiative reflects our government's commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Saskatchewan citizens," Corrections, Public Safety and Policing Minister Yogi Huyghebaert said. "The police officer positions assigned to this new unit are part of the government's promise to create 120 new police positions in the province over four years."
Funded by the Government of Saskatchewan, the RCMP "F" Division and Prince Albert Police Service will dedicate a combined total of 7 police officer positions to implement a northern drug and gang enforcement unit to focus on offences in the north. The Prince Albert Police Service will also provide one clerical support person.
"The Prince Albert and North District Integrated Street Enforcement Team will be responsible for street level enforcement based on intelligence developed by the RCMP in northern Saskatchewan and Prince Albert Police Service in the City of Prince Albert," Commanding Officer, RCMP "F" Division Assistant Commissioner Dale McGowan said. "By working alongside our policing partners, we will be able to address, and more importantly, disrupt and dismantle, street level drug trafficking and gang activity."
"Since violence is frequently associated with illegal drug use, the combination of police resources will help enhance safety in northern communities," Prince Albert Police Chief Dale McFee said.
The police officers will be based in Prince Albert, but will travel to various communities in the north. The unit will be operational on October 1, 2009.
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For more information, contact:
Linsay Rabyj
Corrections, Public Safety and Policing
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2626
Email: linsay.rabyj@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-540-4945