In celebration of National Police Week, Saskatchewan announced an investment of $147,000 to enhance the Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit across the province.

ICE is an integrated policing unit charged with investigating and apprehending perpetrators of child sexual exploitation.

The theme of the week, Committed to Serve, recognizes the commitment of police here in Saskatchewan and across Canada to establish safer communities for all. Collaboration between government and police agencies continue to benefit communities across Saskatchewan.

"Protecting our province's most vulnerable citizens through prevention, outreach, harm reduction and treatment is crucial to a safer Saskatchewan," Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Christine Tell said. "During National Police Week, I'd like to extend our sincere gratitude for the dedication of all Saskatchewan police officers for the work they do to keep us safe."

Discover Weyburn reached out to the Government of Saskatchewan for further information, but the Minister was unavailable for comment. Ariane Whiting, Senior Media Relations Consultant with the Government of Saskatchewan, provided the following information:

The ICE Unit will receive a total of over $1.4 million through the Municipal Police Grant program in 2023-2024 to fund nine police positions in Saskatoon (5), Regina (3) and Prince Albert (1).

Two additional investigator positions, one each in Saskatoon and Regina, were added in 2022-2023. The ICE Coordinator position also moved from Prince Albert to Saskatoon that same year. As well, the RCMP received $1.31 million in annual funding to support five positions within the ICE Unit. 

"The Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police continues its commitment to enhancing community safety across our province," Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police President Chief Rick Bourassa said. "We support and participate with our partners in the development, implementation and expansion of these and other preventative initiatives that advance safety and well-being in our communities."  

In 2023-2024, the province will invest $18.96 million to municipal police services through the Municipal Police Grant program to fund 143 police positions and targeted policing initiatives.