The Prince Albert Police Service(PAPS) will receive $833,000 from Government of Saskatchewan through the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) enforcement initiative.
The funding will support the recruitment and retention of seven officers this year. The funds are part of nearly $6 million in funding set aside to support the province’s plan to add roughly 100 new frontline officers in Saskatchewan. The plan was announced in Fall 2024.
The 100 new officers will be hired in Prince Albert, Regina, Estevan, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, and Weyburn.
“It’s about families feeling secured at home, it’s about neighbours looking out for one another (and) the Saskatchewan way of doing things,” MLA for Lumsden-Morse and Legislative Secretary Blaine McLeod said on behalf of Community Safety Minister Michael Weger. “Its a long long term commitment, its in perpetuity keeping our community strong safe and secure today tomorrow and in the future.”
“Building safe and vibrant communities in Prince Albert and throughout the province remains a priority for our government,” he added. “This funding supports the frontline officers who work directly with residents to address local issues and help keep our neighbourhoods secure.”
Prince Albert Mayor Bill Powalinsky welcomed the news. During a press conference at City Hall on Friday morning, Powalinsky called the funding announces an inspiring and gratifying moment.
“This such a happy occasion and a glad moment,” Powalinsky said. “By investing in the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods enforcement initiative, we are strengthening community safety in Prince Albert and ensuring police services have the officers and resources necessary to respond effectively to community needs and protect neighbourhoods.”
Prince Albert Police Chief Patrick Nogier was also on hand for the announcement. Nogier said the funding helps lessen the financial cost of policing the city.
“The 2025-26 funding reflects a significant year of cooperation with the ministry, allowing us to responsibly explore service growth while reducing the direct financial impact on local taxpayers,” Nogier said. “These additional resources and positions will support innovative and alternative response models, helping us streamline efficiencies, strengthen frontline capacity, and continue delivering effective, community-focused policing for the residents of Prince Albert.
“From a physical, operational and personal standpoint, today’s announcement represents progress,” he added. “It supports responsible workforce planning, helps manage workload n and wellness for our members and allows us to deploy the right resource at the right time.”
Nogier said four of the seven officers will be added to the general investigation department to reduce the workload on frontline officers. The others will work in specialized areas, like robberies, aggravated assault, and hate crimes.
McLeod said the funding is a dedicated funding. He added that the Government of Saskatchewan values its strong partnership with the Prince Albert Police Service and municipal police services across the province that play a critical role in maintaining public safety for Saskatchewan citizens. he also appreciated the members of the Police Service for their work in the Community.
