REGINA,
SK, Aug. 8, 2024 /CNW/ - Today, the National
Police Federation released a list of municipalities and
organizations from across Saskatchewan that have signed a Call to
Action calling on the Province to pause investment into the
Saskatchewan Marshals Service (SMS) until they engage with key
constituents and residents, and release a full plan including
comprehensive details on costing and anticipated impacts.
Without this information, it is impossible for Saskatchewan's municipal leaders or residents
to make informed decisions about the future of policing in the
province and protect the safety of Saskatchewanians.
"We acknowledge and applaud the Minister's recent funding
commitment to the RCMP and this positive step forward. We remain
concerned about the previous Minister's rushed move to the
Marshal's Service in response to pandemic recruitment challenges.
With police agencies including the RCMP now experiencing renewed
interest, we are concerned about further investment in the
Saskatchewan Marshals Service ahead of full consultation and a
strong plan," said NPF President and CEO Brian Sauvé.
The NPF is voicing the concern of nearly 100 municipalities and
organizations throughout the province about the lack of
transparency and accountability surrounding the SMS; which has
already been allocated $14 million in
start-up costs without adequate consultation or engagement with the
communities it intends to serve. This group of stakeholders support
the RCMP and its Members, champion investing in long-underfunded
critical services within the province and feel that many important
questions about the SMS remain unanswered by the Government of
Saskatchewan.
"Our Members receive world-class training right here in
Saskatchewan and police 99% of the
province. Residents deserve to know when they call for help, a
fully trained officer will arrive and be able to handle any
situation. We encourage the Government of Saskatchewan to pause funding on the Marshals
Service, reassess needs with stakeholders and community safety
partners, and continue to invest in existing policing and public
safety resources in the province, including the Saskatchewan RCMP," added Sauvé.
As Saskatchewan's population
continues to grow, and public safety needs evolve we urge the
province to address our concerns and deliver a plan that provides
the transparency and accountability that Saskatchewan residents deserve. Let's
work together for a safer Saskatchewan.
About the National Police Federation:
The National Police Federation (NPF) was certified to represent
~20,000 RCMP Members serving across Canada and internationally in the summer of
2019. The NPF is the largest police union in Canada; the second largest in North America and is the first independent
national association to represent RCMP Members.
The NPF is focused on improving public safety in Canada by focusing on increasing resources,
equipment, training, and other supports for our Members who have
been under-funded for far too long. Better resourcing and supports
for the RCMP will enhance community safety and livability in the
communities we serve, large and small, across Canada.
For more information: https://npf-fpn.com/ and
https://oursaskrcmp.ca
SOURCE National Police Federation