North Battleford is getting $770,000 in annual funding from the Municipal Police Grants program. (file photo/battlefordsNOW)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

Reupping cashflow

Policing grant funding continues in North Battleford

Oct 21, 2021 | 6:00 AM

Policing in North Battleford will continue to get existing funds from the province.

The Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety is providing the City with $770,000 through the Municipal Police Grants program in 2021-22. This annual investment will support six enhanced police positions in North Battleford, in order to supplement the policing contract the City has with the RCMP.

Speaking on behalf of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Christine Tell, and Battlefords MLA Jeremy Cockrill said the Saskatchewan government is committed to investing in public safety.

“This investment will strengthen our community and provide our policing services with crucial resources,” he said. “In cities where there is a higher need identified, this is where our grant helps to augment services and keep the community safe.”

The Municipal Police Grants program supports enhanced community policing throughout cities in Saskatchewan, focusing on ensuring a safer community. Corrections and Policing provide funds to police services across Saskatchewan through this grants program to support 133 municipal police positions and targeted policing initiatives.

LEST WE FORGET

'They fought for our freedom': N.B. paints commemorative crosswalks ahead of Remembrance Day

1h ago

Best in Business

Annette's School of Dance takes home top BBEX award

2h ago

SJHL/MJHL Hockey

Western All-Star Showcase wrap up, WJAC coaches announced

6h ago

Cockrill held back from commenting on any changes in funding until after the upcoming throne speech next week, but added that they will continue to work with the RCMP and municipalities to figure out where resources should be targeted.

“That’s an ongoing process and we’re often working with our ministry to figure out if more is needed in different areas,” Cockrill said.

In the province’s media release, North Battleford Mayor David Gillan said keeping the community safe is a top priority.

“Maintaining initiatives such as the North Battleford RCMP’s Gang Task Force, which focuses on violent and repeat offenders, is an essential pillar in our strategy,” the mayor said. “We thank and commend the province for their support, and we look forward to further partnerships to address the severity of this issue.”

Sgt. Neil Tremblay said where the funding really comes into play for the detachment is with members taking crime prevention efforts instead of reactionary investigative policing.

“That includes members of the gang task force,” he said.

Tremblay added that the absence of this funding would have a significant impact on policing in the region.

—

cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW