Saskatchewan government has funded the hiring of 21 new police officers across the province, taking a major step in its plan to strengthen frontline policing and enhance community safety.
The new officers are part of the province’s $11.9 million Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) initiative, which aims to support the hiring of approximately 100 new municipal police officers.
“Saskatchewan residents expect and deserve to feel safe in their communities, and that means having enough police officers on the ground where they are needed the most,” said Corrections, Policing, and Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod.
The SCAN recruits are currently undergoing training at the Saskatchewan Police College before being deployed to their respective communities. The new hires include seven officers each for Saskatoon and Regina, three for Moose Jaw, and two each for Estevan and Weyburn.
“This investment is a vital step forward in our ongoing efforts to enhance public safety,” said Saskatoon Chief of Police Cameron McBride. “The addition of seven frontline officers will strengthen our ability to proactively address criminal activity and improve quality of life.”
Weyburn Police Service Chief Brent VanDeSype said the support was both timely and welcome.
“Funding under the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods initiative enabled us to hire two new police officers. This is a very significant boost that enhances our service and our ability to better meet the safety needs of our community,” said VanDeSype.
The 21 new positions represent the first wave of SCAN officers in the province’s broader goal to hire 100. The government says this effort is part of a larger public safety push, which includes a $2 billion spend over 2024-25 and 2025-26 to improve policing, support justice services, and strengthen safety across Saskatchewan.
