The Saskatchewan government is announcing new funding which they say will enhance safety in neighbourhoods.
That includes a multi-ministered approach, with funding adding new police officers, training more officers, introducing new enforcement tools, and ensuring social supports are in place and accessible.
The new investments total up to $18.1 million focusing on the following sectors:
- $11.9 million for around 100 new municipal police officers.
- $2.7 million for 14 new Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods officers.
- $2.5 million for the Saskatchewan Police College over the next three years.
“Investing in safe communities and neighborhoods is a priority for our government,” said Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Paul Merriman. “The additional funding for police services, Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods, and the Police College will boost the level of policing in municipalities to address these issues and improve overall community safety and wellbeing for Saskatchewan residents.”
A few changes to the provincial judicial system will also take place with the government looking to empower police and other enforcement officers to promote the safety of business owners and residents.
These include:
- Advancing new options to ensure municipal bylaws are enforced, including through the introduction of community bylaw court hub models.
- Exploring ways to ensure traffic courts operate as efficiently as possible and police spend less time prosecuting traffic offences and more time addressing serious crimes.
- Enhancing the Fine Option Program to ensure accountability for all offenders and provide an additional option for those individuals who are unable to pay off tickets and fines.
"Saskatchewan people are increasingly concerned about crime, and we want to empower police to fight it," Justice Minister and Attorney General Bronwyn Eyre said. "That means police spending less time in Traffic Court, establishing municipal bylaw courts to relieve criminal dockets, and enhancing the Fine Option Program for provincial and bylaw offences to ensure greater accountability for all offenders."