Released on November 16, 2018
The Government of Saskatchewan is helping to keep communities and families in Saskatoon safe through the Municipal Police Grants.The Ministry of Corrections and Policing’s contribution of $4.9 million will fund 43 existing Saskatoon Police Service positions in 2018-19.
“Keeping communities safe is a priority for our government,” Justice Minister Don Morgan said on behalf of Corrections and Policing Minister Christine Tell. “This investment helps to ensure municipalities have resources to meet that goal.”
The Ministry of Corrections and Policing provides funds for 128 municipal police positions and policing initiatives across the province.
The funding for Saskatoon supports policing programs that focus on organized crime and gang activity. It also supports the Child Sexual Exploitation unit and the Internet Child Exploitation unit, which work to reduce the victimization of the most vulnerable members of our society.
“I’m very appreciative of the province’s continued investment in the safety of citizens by supporting the Saskatoon Police Service’s efforts to collaboratively address mental health issues, organized crime and child exploitation in our city,” Saskatoon Mayor and Board of Police Commissioners Chair Charlie Clark said. “This funding helps our police officers respond to emergency calls and to provide the services that citizens have come to expect.”
“Funding from the province of Saskatchewan is critical in the enhancement of prevention and enforcement efforts around gang activity, child exploitation and violent offences,” Saskatoon Police Chief Troy Cooper said.
“Provincial funding also greatly assists the Saskatoon Police Service in its response to the growing number of calls for service involving addictions and mental health issues in our community.”
Saskatchewan Government Insurance has also provided $900,000 for five positions as part of the Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan initiative.
This brings the total of the Saskatoon Police Service Funding Agreement to $5.8 million for 2018-19.
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For more information, contact:
Jennifer Graham
Corrections and Policing
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8621
Email: jennifer.graham@gov.sk.ca