The Saskatchewan government is developing a new Saskatchewan Marshals Service (SMS) as announced in the throne speech..Corrections, Policing, and Public Safety Minister Christine Tell said Saskatchewan needs more visible policing to augment the work of the RCMP..“We know there are areas in Saskatchewan that need more visible, active policing,” said Tell. . RCMP carCourtesy TripAdvisor .“The SMS will provide that, and work with RCMP and municipal police to strengthen law enforcement across the entire province.”.The SMS will be an independent agency that reports to the minister of Corrections, Policing, and Public Safety..Tell said they expect the new unit to be fully operational in mid-to-late 2026 with an annual cost of $20 million and approximately 70 full-time officers..“This unit is going to take a number of years to develop,” Tell told the media..“We’re anticipating this unit will be made up of 70 quite experienced police officers. They’re going to be stationed throughout the province.”.READ MORE Sask government’s plan to reduce crime and increase public safety, new marshals.Tell said the province is looking for experienced officers and will have additional training to join the SMS..“They’re highly trained to assist RCMP, municipal police,” said Tell..“They’re going to be more highly trained than just [new] recruit training. We’re going to want them to be more specialized and targeted.”.One of the specialized training courses Tell mentioned is cattle rustling..“We want some of these specific areas and I think I mentioned cattle rustling is not something that is being addressed now,” said Tell..Other crimes at the top of the agenda for the SMS are gangs, drugs, and human trafficking..“Their duties will include responding to areas with high crime rates, apprehending offenders with outstanding arrest warrants, and investigating farming-related offences like theft and trespassing,” said the government news release..Reporters asked Tell how the province intends to find these very experienced officers when other police forces are having trouble recruiting..Tell said that the SMS is looking for a different type of recruit, as these new officers need eight years of experience..“We’re looking for something much different than that,” said Tell..“Many years experience eight, eight years experience. We’re looking for a very specialized type of person. And I think given one, I know, there’s going to be huge interest for some of these police officers.”
