MOOSE JAW — Nearly a month after the province gave almost $1 million to the Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS) to hire eight new officers, it is providing more cash to support traffic and mental health initiatives.
The MJPS will receive nearly $467,000 from the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety through the Municipal Police Grants Program for the 2024-25 fiscal year. The grant will continue to fund six existing positions with the Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan (CTSS) and Police and Crisis Team (PACT) programs.
"We are happy to ensure that through this funding these important targeted policing initiatives are able to continue in the City of Moose Jaw," said Paul Merriman, minister responsible for Corrections, Policing and Public Safety. "This ongoing funding partnership with the Moose Jaw Police Service further reflects our commitment to ensuring safer communities both now and in the future."
The funding provided through the Municipal Police Grants Program supports enhanced community policing initiatives throughout the City of Moose Jaw.
Through PACT, officers provide an immediate and co-ordinated response to individuals experiencing a mental health and addiction crisis.
Meanwhile, the CTSS program aims to reduce the number of serious collisions and fatalities on Saskatchewan roads. SGI delivers the program and is contributing $360,000 for an additional two CTSS officers, bringing the combined contribution to $826,800 for six officers across the two programs.
“This ongoing partnership between the ministry and the Moose Jaw Police Service advances our shared vision of safe and inclusive communities," said Chief Rick Bourassa.
"The annual funding of these positions enables the Moose Jaw Police Service to continue providing Police and Crisis Team supports and Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan road safety services to people not only in Moose Jaw but also across our south-central region."
This funding is in addition to the recently announced $952,000 for Moose Jaw to hire eight new officers as part of the government's commitment to creating safer communities and neighbourhoods in Saskatchewan.
