November 17, 2017

Prince Albert Police Service Receives $2.1 Million for Targeted Policing Initiatives

The Government of Saskatchewan continues to ensure the safety of Prince Albert communities and families through Municipal Police Grants.

This provincial contribution of $2.1 million will fund 20 existing Prince Albert Police Service positions in 2017-18.  In combination with the Provincial Response Team, three new police positions will be assigned to the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU) in each of CFSEU’s three locations: Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert. The focus of these positions will be to specifically target illicit drugs such as crystal meth and fentanyl that are disproportionately driving property crime.

“The Government of Saskatchewan considers community and public safety a top priority,” Crown Investments Minister and Prince Albert Carlton MLA Joe Hargrave said on behalf of Justice Minister and Attorney General Don Morgan.  “The positions that are funded through the Municipal Police Grants help to ensure that the residents of Prince Albert feel safe in their community.”

Programs supported through the Municipal Police Grants include a focus on organized crime and gang activity through investigations led by the CFSEU, and work by the Serious and Habitual Offender Comprehensive Action Program to hold chronic habitual offenders to account.  Other programs work to solve missing persons cases and reduce the victimization of the most vulnerable members of our society through the work of the Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit.

“The Prince Albert Board of Police Commissioners would like to recognize the contribution our provincial government makes to our community through the Municipal Police Grant,” Prince Albert Mayor Greg Dionne said.  “The funding we receive assists us in tackling public safety issues that are a priority, not only locally, but across our province.”

“The Municipal Police Grants enable us to tackle some of the complex policing issues we face in the province,” Prince Albert Police Service Chief Troy Cooper said.  “The funding is focused on policing priorities, with local input.”

The provincial government provides funds to urban police services across the province to support 128 municipal police positions and policing initiatives.  These grants fulfill the government’s commitment to supporting the policing services within the province’s municipalities.