COMBATING GANGS AND ORGANIZED CRIME PRIORITY IN DESIGNATING NEW POLICE OFFICER FUNDING

Combating gangs and organized crime is a priority for how the $2.7 million for 30 new police officers announced in the 2008-09 provincial Budget will be allocated.

The special unit to combat organized crime and gangs will receive funding of $785,000 for nine new police officers. The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit is comprised of municipal police and RCMP from across the province, with operations in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert.

"The focus on increasing police strength in investigating gang and organized crime activity is a signal to their members that they are not welcome in this province," Corrections, Public Safety and Policing Minister Darryl Hickie said.

The remaining funding for new police officers will be divided among the RCMP and municipal police services to support other programs and activities.

Community policing initiatives will see $270,000 in funding for six new positions and the RCMP's major crimes investigations units will receive $180,000 for two positions. Funding of $180,000 will be allocated to two new First Nations policing positions. The Internet Child Exploitation Unit received $1.12 million for 11 positions, announced earlier this year.

"I'm pleased that the funding of 30 new police officers in this fiscal year takes this government a significant step closer to delivering on our commitment to add 120 new police officers over the next four years," Hickie said.

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For more information, contact:

Judy Orthner
Corrections, Public Safety and Policing
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5883
Email: judy.orthner@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-535-2233