Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Christine Tell has announced that the City of Regina is set to receive $5.49 million from the provincial government for the Municipal Police Grants Program for 2022-23 according to a media release.
“Municipal Police Grants are an invaluable element of our police operations, year after year,” Regina Police Service Chief Evan Bray said.
“This grant provides for more than 70 RPS positions, many of which have a provincial scope, including gang and organized crime activity, and internet child exploitation. Other positions focus on mental health and substance use issues, greatly enhancing our capacity to build community safety and well-being.”
The funding will support the continued delivery of targeted policing initiatives, such as the Police and Crisis Team (PACT), which comprises police officers and mental health workers who provide an integrated and coordinated response to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis in the community.
The funding will also support one new member of the Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) program, which is dedicated to the investigation of child exploitation.
Saskatchewan Government Insurance is also providing $900,000 for five positions as part of the Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan initiative. This brings the total of the Regina Police Service Funding Agreement to $6.39 million for 48 police positions in 2022-23.
“We are grateful for the Municipal Police Grant that helps to improve public safety in Regina,” Regina Mayor Sandra Masters said.
“This provincial funding resources key positions in the Regina Police Service that work to protect and respond to needs in our community. The City of Regina appreciates this ongoing support from the Province of Saskatchewan.”