Local RCMP pleased with Crime Prevention Team expansion announcement
The Ministry of Corrections and Policing announced plans to expand its Crime Reduction Team initiative last week in a move welcomed by many, including the North Battleford detachment.
In total, $1.6 million will go to the Saskatchewan RCMP to help expand to the initiative. The team was established in February and has proven to be a valuable resource, according to Battlefords RCMP Insp. John Sutherland.
“Last week’s announcement clearly shows that the meetings that were held around the province were heard by the provincial government,” Sutherland said. “The message was delivered by the public to the province that more bodies needed to be made available to respond to rural crime.”
The new funding will be used for 14 full-time members; 10 police officers and four support staff. According to Friday’s announcement, one team will operate out of North Battleford while the other area will be based in Prince Albert.