Sask. government funds $330,000 to strengthen provinces police services

The Saskatchewan government is providing municipal police services and community-based organizations around the province more funding for new policing tools and programming.

Through the Criminal Property Forfeiture Program, the Ministry of Corrections and Policing has committed close to $330,000 in an announcement made on Thursday.

“Government is proud to be able to provide this funding to Saskatchewan’s municipal police forces so they can use it to buy the tools they need to keep our communities safe,” said Christine Tell, Corrections and Policing Minister.

The Regina Police Service will use the cash for an Avatar III robot, modular cameras and rifle scopes. The Saskatoon Police Service will purchase a robotic search stick, a vented drug processing cabinet and an ION scanner.

“Municipal police services greatly appreciate the financial support provided by government through the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund,” said Marlo Pritchard, Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police president.

The Prince Albert Police Service will spend their funding on lightweight body armor and helmets. The File Hills Police Service will purchase off-road equipment while File Hills Police Service Commissioners will add a youth cadet corps program.

“These additional, unbudgeted funds allow Saskatchewan police services to acquire additional equipment, which assists in increasing the safety and security of the communities in which we serve,” Pritchard said.

The province is also transferring $280,000 from the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund into the Victims’ Fund.

“The distribution to the Victims’ Fund will also continue to provide for important victims services in this province such as counselling, medical bills and the replacement of valuables,” Tell said.