ESTEVAN - The City of Estevan will receive $357,000 in funding from the Government of Saskatchewan. Three new front-line officers will be hired for the Estevan Police Service.
The announcement was made Wednesday morning at the EPS building.
"The Estevan Police Service appreciates its partnership with the Government of Saskatchewan," Estevan Police Chief Jamie Blunden said. "To ensure the safety of our community, effective policing requires collaboration beyond law enforcement alone.
"This support from the government will significantly enhance safety in Estevan. The allocation of resources for three new front-line officers, as well as contributions to the Saskatchewan Police College, reinforces the dedication to ensure a safer community and province. The Estevan Police Board of Commissioners and our executive team are eager to engage in discussions regarding the implementation of these additional personnel within our police service."
The three new positions will bring the total number of officers in Estevan to 29, including the three executive team members. Four of the existing positions within the EPS are government-funded.
Blunden said a decision has not been made on the duties for the three new officers.
The Government of Saskatchewan said it is making substantial changes within the justice system to empower police and other enforcement officers, and promote the overall safety of business owners and citizens.
The Government of Saskatchewan will:
- Advance new options to ensure municipal bylaws are enforced, including through the introduction of community bylaw court hub models, such as Kindersley's Municipal Bylaw Court;
- Explore ways to ensure traffic courts operate as efficiently as possible and police spend less time prosecuting traffic offences and more time addressing serious crimes; and
- Enhance the fine option program to ensure accountability for all offenders and provide an additional option for those individuals who are unable to pay off tickets and fines.
"Saskatchewan people are increasingly concerned about crime and we want to empower police to fight it," Justice Minister and Attorney General Bronwyn Eyre said. "That means police spending less time in traffic court, establishing municipal bylaw courts to relieve criminal dockets, and enhancing the Fine Option Program for provincial and bylaw offences to ensure greater accountability for all offenders."
The Government of Saskatchewan recently announced $17.1 million in new funding for a multi-ministry approach to safe neighbourhoods by adding more police officers, training new officers and introducing new enforcement tools, while working to ensure social supports are in place and accessible.
"Investments in police services, including the Estevan Police Service, more officers for safer communities and neighbourhoods, and doubling the number of recruits trained at the police college, are important for ensuring the safety and security of communities and neighbourhoods across Saskatchewan," Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Paul Merriman said. "This is, and will always be, a priority for the Government of Saskatchewan."
More to come.
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