Click here to sign up for our free daily newsletter.
(file photo/paNOW Staff)
A healthy community

P.A. area receives funding for policing tools

Sep 25, 2020 | 12:20 PM

The Prince Albert Police Service and Parkland Victims Services are two organizations who will directly benefit from over half a millions from the provincial government through the Civil Forfeiture Program.

Saskatchewan’s Civil Forfeiture Program, through the Seizure of Criminal Property Act, 2009, seeks the forfeiture of property that is considered to be proceeds or an instrument of unlawful activity. Forfeited funds are deposited in the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund.

The Prince Albert Police Service is getting $88,000 for a 3D laser scanner, designed to improve crime scene analysis. A spokesperson for the police service informed paNOW the device will enable members to generate a 3D picture of a room, area, neighbourhood etc.

In total, more than $180,000 is being provided to Saskatchewan police forces. In accordance with legislation, a matching amount will be deposited from the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund into the Victims’ Fund.

As well, more than $170,000 of this year’s funding will be distributed to community-based organizations. From that $25,000 has been set aside for Parkland Victims Services, for personal safety devices. High-risk individuals will be provided with wearable personal safety devices that have the potential to save the lives of victims of violence and abuse.

At the press of a button, alerts are instantly sent to friends and family, along with the individual’s GPS location, when he or she needs assistance. Contact is also made with 911. RCMP and Parkland Victim Services staff and volunteers will work with victims of abuse and family violence to identify individuals who could benefit from the personal safety devices.

“Our government is proud to provide this funding to police services and community-based organizations across our province,” Corrections and Policing Minister Christine Tell said in a press release. “This money will provide our police services and partners with new tools to support the important, ongoing work they do to help community safety and well-being across the province.”

Another initiative funded this year is a domestic violence program in La Ronge. The project was developed to support the region’s community alcohol management plan with representatives from Prosecutions, Legal Aid, Community Corrections, La Ronge Native Women/Piwapan Women’s Shelter, RCMP, Victim Services, Lac La Ronge Indian Band Health Services and the Saskatchewan Health Authority.

nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell