The theme of National Police Week this year is "Committed to Serve Together." The week is celebrated from May 12 to 18, with an emphasis on highlighting the importance of partnerships between policing services and community organizations.

The celebration of Police Week began in 1970 as a way for police to connect with the communities they serve and to raise awareness about the services they provide. It also gives police agencies opportunities for dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect with the aim of building a safer community.

"On behalf of the SACP, I'd like to recognize the dedication and sacrifice of the almost 3,000 police officers serving in communities across our province who put their lives on the line 24/7, 365 days a year," said Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police President Richard Lowen, "As worldwide events influence conflicts across the country, I want to take the time to say to our officers that their work is appreciated and valued. Our police officers are committed to serve for a better future for all."

Councillor Shelly Veroba, a chairperson of the Community Safety and Well-Being Committee, which has also shares the goal of having community organizations work together to keep the community safe. 

"I think our police department does an excellent job working with the Police and Crisis Team (PACT), but also to ensure that they continue with their education in the mental health department. It's always changing, and I am very impressed with our department," said Veroba, "I'm proud to say that I believe Estevan has one of the finest police departments in Saskatchewan, and I just have the greatest respect."

"We would just like to thank the Estevan Police Service, for the job that they do.  I know sometimes out in the street, they're not appreciated as we would like them to or they should be, but again, they're just doing their job and we absolutely appreciate the job that they do for the citizens of Estevan," said Mayor Roy Ludwig said.

In the recently announced 2024-25 provincial budget, more than $730 million was invested in policing and community safety. Some of those investments include:

  • More than $23 million in municipal police grants to support 160 specialized police positions
  • $200,000 to enhance the intake capacity of the Saskatchewan Police College
  • $228 million to fund the RCMP, with further funding commitments for enhanced recruitment efforts
  • More than $1 million to expand the First Nations Community Safety Officer Pilot Program
  • $197,000 to establish a narcotics-purpose K9 unit within the Saskatchewan Highway Patrol
  • $37 million toward further construction of the Saskatoon Remand Centre expansion
  • $78.4 million to fund the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency
  • $7 million toward the implementation of the Saskatchewan Marshals Service

Once operational in 2026, the Saskatchewan Marshals Service will provide an enhanced policing presence in rural communities while supporting existing police agencies across the province. 

"Past success has shown us that we can make progress towards a safer Saskatchewan when we work together," said Minister of Corrections, Policing, and Public Safety Paul Merriman, "The new Marshals Service will be no different, as it was designed to integrate into the existing policing framework within the province and support the policing efforts of agencies across Saskatchewan."