The Saskatchewan government says it’s providing more than $1.1 million to police agencies, the Victim’s Fund and community programs through the Criminal Property Forfeiture fund.
The Regina Police Service (RPS) will be getting a photocell camera and upgrades to the tactical training facility through its share of the funding. A total of $564,000 will go to police services in the province and Search and Rescue Regina, who will get a new tent and trailer.
Due to legislation, a matching amount goes to the Victim’s Fund from the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund, the province said in a release.
“Saskatchewan’s Civil Forfeiture Program, through The Seizure of Criminal Property Act, 2009, seeks the forfeiture of property alleged to be proceeds or an instrument of unlawful activity. Proceeds of forfeited property are placed in the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund for distribution to police, victims and community programs,” the province said.
Civil Forfeiture removes the financial incentives of criminal activity and makes involvement in illegal activity less attractive to people, according to the province.
The Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS) will use its portion of the funding to acquire audio and visual equipment used to interview child and youth victims of violence, along with the development of a Child and Youth Advocacy Centre.
Investigative enhancements will also be done to the Internet Child Exploitation Unit in Moose Jaw.
The Saskatoon Police Service will use the funding for investigative search support, while the File Hills First Nations Police Service will procure a portable light system. In Prince Albert, police will use its portion of the funding for a wet processing bench, which the province says provides a dedicated exhibit processing workspace that will enhance safety and minimize contamination.
“We are committed to offering support to victims of crime in our province and delivering safer communities and neighbourhoods across Saskatchewan,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Tim McLeod said in the release. “The criminal property forfeiture process allows us to do that by taking proceeds from criminal activity and putting it to good use through our police agencies and community programs.”
