By Charlene Tebbutt

New SWAT Gear

P.A. Police SWAT members get new gear

Feb 7, 2019 | 6:21 PM

Local SWAT members have some new tools after the province announced more than $47,000 in funding for new tactical gear for the Prince Albert Police Service.

The Prince Albert Police Service SWAT team received $16,758 for new lightweight body armour plates, and another $30,887 to pay for new helmets and headsets. According to the police service, the new armour plates are lighter and more effective than the ones currently being used, while the new helmets and headsets are also lighter and more compatible with other SWAT radio platforms.

“Our SWAT members could be on scene for sometimes hours potentially, and a significant decrease in the weight that they’re now wearing, compared to before, is going to go a long way to preventing officer fatigue,” Sgt. Travis Willie said. “It’s going to keep our officers extremely safe.”

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Corrections and Policing announced the new funding Thursday. More than $330,000 in funding will flow to law enforcement agencies and community-based organizations across the province. The province’s Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund provided funding for new equipment and programming. Money or property that was used in or resulted from a crime is seized and placed in the forfeiture fund.

Safer communities

Smashed Car campaign returns to Prince Albert

5h ago

Bringing the heat

New regional softball team has sights set high in inaugural season

6h ago

PERSERVERANCE, sportsmanship, and dedication

Former Minto Ingram named Bill Masterson Memorial Trophy winner

9h ago

Another $280,000 will compensate victims of crime.

Prince Albert Police Sgt. Scott Hayes, a SWAT team leader, said the new tactical equipment is more practical and allows for better hearing protection for the 13 officers on the team.

“The increased level of tactical efficiency and awareness will no doubt improve public safety in our community,” Hayes said. “The new equipment obtained from the proceeds of crimes funds has been a welcome addition and is greatly appreciated by all team members.”

Other police forces around the province also received funding through the program, including an Avatar III robot, modular cameras and rifle scopes for the Regina Police Service and a new robotic search stick, vented drug processing cabinet and ION scanner in Saskatoon. The File Hills Police Service received funding for off-road equipment and a local youth cadet corps program, while the John Howard Society received funding for a youth crime prevention program in Moose Jaw.

“These additional, unbudgeted funds allow Saskatchewan police services to acquire additional equipment, which assists in increasing the safety and security of the communities in which we serve,” said Marlo Pritchard, chief of police in Weyburn and president of the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police.

—

Charlene.tebbutt@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @CharleneTebbutt