LUSELAND — The Government of Saskatchewan recently announced the introduction of the Small Town and Rural (STAR) Police Services Grant Program, with five communities across the province to receive funding. Among those communities, the Luseland Police Service (LPS) was selected as one of the recipients of the new program.
Chief Ty Kohlman of the LPS said there have been regular communications with the provincial government for some time. With the announcement of the STAR grant, the LPS was notified that it would receive $10,000, to be used however the police service deems necessary.
“I, along with our board of police commissioners, have had some extensive conversations with respect to the allocation of the new funding. At this time, we have not made a final decision as to the direction of the new funding,” said Kohlman.
Although there has been no decision on how the funds will be used, Kohlman said that the world of police service is constantly evolving.
“Often, people will approach me and comment on the amount of equipment on my duty belt. These tools are necessary and provide us with the confidence to respond to any situation. They are a direct reflection of a changing police environment that bears a significant financial expense. If you think that my belt is full of equipment, you should see my car.”
Small town and rural police services have historically operated without provincial funding, relying solely on funding from the municipality or rural municipality they serve. This grant program ensures all police services in Saskatchewan are now financially supported by the provincial government.
“Larger municipal police services have been receiving support for many years, and as policing needs evolve and become more complex, the need for more advanced training and technology is becoming greater,” said Kohlman.
"Small town and rural police services are a cornerstone for public safety in rural Saskatchewan," Community Safety Minister Michael Weger said in a press release on April 8. "Their officers support RCMP operations across a large region, and this funding recognizes the essential work they do every day in the communities and rural municipalities they serve. With the STAR Grant Program, we are ensuring every police service in Saskatchewan has the provincial support they need to deliver strong, community-focused policing."
“The LPS was very grateful to hear that we would be receiving financial assistance. The operational success of our police service not only affects Luseland but the entire province. We are policing provincial highways, working to apprehend wanted individuals in the province and assisting various law enforcement agencies and communities to ensure that Saskatchewan remains safe,” added Kohlman.
Police services in Corman Park, Dalmeny, Vanscoy and Wilton were also recipients of the STAR grant, resulting in $190,000 being reinvested in the province.
