It's unfortunate there is a need but it's reality and with growth there will likely be more of a need than ever.
The province has announced it intends to ensure the safety of Saskatchewan residents by fulfilling its commitment to hire 120 new police officers within four years.
Funding from the 2011-12 provincial budget has been provided to hire the remaining 30 police officer positions, resulting in a total of 120 new positions since 2008-09.
Since the 2008-09 budget, officers have been deployed to the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU), the Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit, and the Northern Drug and Gang Enforcement Unit. Since then, the ICE unit has laid 194 charges against 71 individuals and has been involved in more than 400 internet related investigations involving abused children.
In the last two years, officers from the CFSEU and the Northern Drug and Gang Enforcement Unit have made several significant seizures of cocaine, crack cocaine and marijuana. Cash and assets from organized criminal enterprises have also been seized.
"The addition of 120 new police officers is important as it helps us support our efforts to keep communities safe and reduce criminal activity across the province," adds Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police President Dale McFee.
Consultations will take place this spring with police leaders to determine how the positions will be allocated based on crime rates and local needs.
We're living in modern times and with that unfortunately comes criminal activity. Keeping crime at bay with added eyes on the street is our best hope in ensuring Saskatchewan remains among the safer places to call home.
