RCMP traffic units from across the province will provide an increased police presence in the Battlefords July 23-24. (File Photo/battelfordsNOW Staff)

By Josh Ryan

In lock-STEP

Saskatchewan RCMP hosting traffic safety project in the Battlefords

Jul 23, 2020 | 8:35 AM

Battlefords residents can expect an increased police presence over the next two days.

Multiple police and municipal agencies from across the province will be in attendance as Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services, in partnership with SGI, hosts the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (or STEP) in North Battleford July 23-24. The project is meant to contribute to Sask. RCMP Traffic Services’ mandate of “ensuring public Safety on our roadways and in our communities.”

“We want to keep our roads safe – that is our main focus. We will continue to take every opportunity to work with our partners and make sure we can do just that,” Sgt. Doug MacDougall of Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services said.

Sgt. Jason Teniuk of North Battleford said residents will see a number of vehicles from throughout the province, rather than local cars. These units will be out and around in the community to focus on STEP goals.

“Saskatoon city cars, Regina city cars, Moose Jaw city cars,” he said. “Everybody that has a traffic unit.”

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Partnership between multiple agencies is meant to be a key for accomplishing the project’s mandate. The priorities include focusing on motorists that are driving impaired or distracted, as well as driving too aggressively or committing various traffic violations.

“Everything from impaired driving to other motor vehicle infractions and motor vehicle equipment infractions and so forth,” Teniuk said.

One of the infractions focused on is occupant restraints in vehicles. Teniuk said this remains a vital rule to enforce.

“Wearing seatbelts, but also making sure that kids are properly strapped in; child seats are properly secured.”

Teniuk said that while some will likely critique the project as a cash grab in the handing out of tickets, he’s heard from many residents that are concerned over road safety.

“At the end of the day, this is the effort we put forward to ensure everyone is safe on the road.”

Despite so many new units in the neighbourhood, Teniuk said this won’t interfere with the work by local law enforcement.

“We’ll still have all our regular operations ongoing and our members going to calls like they normally would,” he said. “All of that activity.”

In addition to the inter-agency cooperation, Teniuk said they hope to further relationships within the community. Given the scrutiny on police activity in recent months, the timing is ideal.

“[We’re] looking at different ways to connect with the public, while ensuring they’re safe,” Teniuk said.

In a media release, Saskatchewan RCMP thanked the public for their cooperation and support and encouraged contacting their local detachment or 9-1-1 if they see impaired or aggressive driving.

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josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports