SASKATOON — The Saskatoon Police Service will be using the money it received from the Municipal Police Grants program as additional funds to beef up its crime fighting activities and other policing initiatives.
SPS received $5.47 million from the MPC program of the Ministry of Corrections, Policing, and Public Safety for 44 positions in 2021 to 2022.
“While the vast majority of SPS positions are funded municipally, we also receive funding from the province each year,” said Kelsie Fraser, SPS Public Relations & Strategic Communications Senior Consultant.
“This is not new money and is typically used for existing positions and specialty areas of investigation that can often require a coordinated approach to issues impacting not only our community, but may also extend beyond our municipal borders, such as that of ICE or the Crime Reduction Team.”
The money will make sure SPS has the needed funds to continue policing initiatives like the Police and Crisis Team, which has police officers and mental health professionals in their unit that responds to incidents where a person with mental health issues is involved.
The program grant will also allow SPS to hire one new member each for the Crime Reduction Team and the Internet Child Exploitation program. The CRT gathers intelligence on street gangs and its associates while ICE investigates child exploitation cases.
SPS Chief Troy Cooper said ensuring community safety requires a multi-faceted approach.
"We are fortunate and appreciative of the provincial government for the funding they provide, making them an integral partner in the safety of Saskatoon residents."
City Mayor Charlie Clark said that this is a crucial time for cooperation between all government agencies to ensure the safety of all communities.
"This includes tackling the serious challenges of addictions and mental health affecting so many families and neighbourhoods,” said Clark. “This support from the provincial government is key in building a more coordinated approach that addresses the root causes of these challenges."
The Ministry of Corrections and Policing provides funds to police services across Saskatchewan through the MPC program, supporting 133 municipal police positions and targeted policing initiatives.
Among those services, the Regina Police Service was also the recipient of annual funding to maintain ongoing service contracts for members.
Regina received an allocation of $5.03 million from the MPC this year, an increase of $86,000 over last year, and $900,000 from SGI.
Total funding for 2021-22 will be $5.93 million, to support an overall total of 45 member positions in the RPS.
Much like Saskatoon, the MPC funding will be used to continue supporting 40 full-time RPS positions for another year, as well as adding one new member to the CRT and a new support member to the ICE program in Regina.
SGI's funding contribution will support the continued existence of five Regina-based members within the Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan initiative.
Regina Mayor Sandra Masters said that the continued provision of government funding helps to improve public safety in the city and enables the RPS to be “proactive and responsive to the needs of our community.”
RPS Chief Evan Bray thanked the province for its continued support for the RPS, allowing the service to respond to continually changing trends in crime.
"This investment will strengthen our community by supporting those who work to keep citizens safe," said Saskatoon Riversdale MLA Marv Friesen, on behalf of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Christine Tell.
The MPC grant also provided significant funding to police services in Estevan, Weyburn, North Battleford, Yorkton, Moose Jaw and Prince Albert.
- written with files from Larissa Kurz.
