18 NEW POLICING POSITIONS

Eighteen new police positions will be provided in Saskatchewan communities as part of the provincial government's $101 million policing budget for 2005-2006.

"Keeping communities safe is a top priority of this government," Justice Minister Frank Quennell said. "Since 1999, we've increased provincial funding for police services by more than $31 million, including funding 169 additional policing positions."

The 18 new positions will include 11 new RCMP positions targeted to northern communities and further recruitment of Aboriginal persons into policing. Five new municipal police positions will be funded: Regina (2), Saskatoon (2), and Prince Albert (1). Two new investigators will be hired in the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Investigation Unit of Saskatchewan Justice.

"In response to the recommendations of the Stonechild Inquiry and the Commission on First Nations and Métis Peoples and Justice Reform we will be taking steps to recruit Aboriginal officers for these positions," Quennell said. "The government will fulfil its commitment to provide 200 police positions over the next three years."

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For More Information, Contact:

Andrew Dinsmore Justice Regina Phone: (306) 787-8606