Sadly with growth and expansion, generally comes an increase in crime. Anything we can do to prevent that trend before it happens is a positive step in the right direction.
The province of Saskatchewan has announced a $450,000 investment in Community Mobilization program in Prince Albert (CMPA) that will extend to other areas in the province including Yorkton. The objective of CMPA is to bring government, human services agencies, police and community organizations together in a forum where interventions for individuals at risk of offending can be discussed. The appropriate interventions are chosen by the group and acted on by the organizations they represent.
"This approach to community safety and wellness has broken down the silos between organizations so at-risk individuals receive targeted community services," Corrections and Policing Minister Christine Tell says. "Our goal is to reduce crime and victimization and help build stronger, safer communities. Investing in Community Mobilization Prince Albert will contribute to that goal."
The staff at the Centre of Responsibility look at community safety and wellness with a focus on long-term community goals and initiatives facing Prince Albert and its citizens. Their role is to help address those challenges at the local and eventually, the provincial levels.
"We are very excited about this agreement," Prince Albert Chief of Police Troy Coopera adds. "It will provide the City of Prince Albert and area with the ability to continue the good work that is already being done here. The agreement will allow continued support for a full range of services to our community while fostering the growth of positive and healthy lifestyles that contributes to reducing crime and victimization. It is a program that everyone can be proud of."
The CMPA approach is the model for the province's Building Partnerships to Reduce Crime (BPRC) initiative. Through BPRC, communities receive guidance and tools from Corrections and Policing to help them build their own community mobilization programs. Currently, similar programs are being established in Yorkton, La Ronge, La Loche, Swift Current and Moose Jaw and the North Battleford and Nipawin regions.
Problem solving is key but if we can nip potential problems in the bud before they happen we're all the better off for it.
