(file photo/CJME News Staff)

By Kenneth Cheung

INVEST FOR SAFER COMMUNITIES

Province invests $17.1 million to increase community safety

Sep 5, 2024 | 12:55 PM

Saskatchewan announced a $17.1 million investment in a multi-ministry approach to create safe neighbourhoods with police force expansion, new officer training, and additional enforcement tools focused on maintaining accessible social support systems.

According to a media release, the investments feature $11.9 million for approximately 100 new municipal police officers, $2.7 million for 14 new Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) officers, and $2.5 million for the Saskatchewan Police College over the next three years.

“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,” Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Paul Merriman said.

Merriman emphasized the government prioritizes investing in secure communities and neighbourhoods.

The government will implement significant reforms in the justice system to enhance law enforcement authority and ensure safety for business owners and citizens.

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The changes involve implementing new measures to ensure the enforcement of local bylaws, exploring ways to streamline traffic courts and reduce police time spent on traffic offences. It will also enhance the fine option program for offenders who cannot pay tickets and fines.

“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,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Bronwyn Eyre said in a release.

As the release mentioned, the new public safety measures announced today complement other government initiatives. These include the complex needs emergency shelters in Saskatoon and Regina.

The shelters offer safe, medically supported facilities for individuals brought in by law enforcement, particularly in cases involving drug and alcohol intoxication. So far, over 135 patients have been brought to these facilities. The province says nearly all of them accepted services and support upon discharge.

The facilities have security, clinical counsellors, nurses, and 24/7 on-call physician support.

Patients are detained for up to 24 hours or until they are no longer considered a threat to themselves and others. After discharge, patients receive support for mental health, addiction services, and community support.

The Regina shelter opened July 30, and the Saskatoon location opened Aug. 6.

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com