Regina, Saskatoon, P.A. police net $9.5 million in provincial funding

SASKATOON The provincial government is providing nearly $10 million in grants for targeted police initiatives, including three new positions in each of Saskatchewan’s three biggest cities.

The grants will cover $4.8 million for 43 officers in Saskatoon and $4.7 million for 40 officers in Regina in 2017-18. As well, the grant money will cover three new positions assigned to the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Units in each of Saskatoon, Regina and Prince Albert. The focus for the new positions will be on targeting illicit drugs like fentanyl and crystal methamphetamine, which the provincial justice ministry says are “disproportionately driving property crime.”

Among the areas targeted through the municipal police grants are organized crime, gang activity, missing persons, the Serious and Habitual Offender Comprehensive Action Program, and the Internet Child Exploitation unit.

Regina police Chief Evan Bray said the grant “solidifies a partnership that ensures community safety” and “speaks to such collaboration and the importance of the province’s continued financial assistance toward the safety of our citizens.”

Saskatoon police acting Chief Mark Chatterbok said in a statement that the “ongoing commitment shown by the Province of Saskatchewan is critical to enhancing our efforts to reduce and deter violent crime, gang activity and child exploitation.