There are meetings in southwest Saskatchewan over the next week to get public input on RCMP service in that area. Cpl. Rob King says it’s a challenge, because it’s sparsely populated. There are fewer small, family farms now and more larger farms, so the idea is to hear from residents how they feel about their police service and if they have any recommendations.
King explains the RCMP has finite resources, so they have to work within those resources to maximize effectiveness. Nothing is being proposed at this point. This is the information gathering stage. King says they are analyzing how policing is done in the area and how to make it better.
He emphasizes if a new deployment model comes out of this, it won’t include closing any detachments. Officers will still be present in all of the communities the RCMP serves. The answers, if any are needed, could be along the lines of technology recommendations, or placement of people.
Meyers Norris Penny is holding the public meetings and will write a report which is expected late spring. Then the RCMP will analyze it and it will once again be taken to stakeholders for more thoughts.

All meetings are at 6:30 p.m.

Ponetix Detachment
Monday, Jan. 13th, 6 Main Street, Aneroid, SK

Shaunavan Detachment
Monday, Jan. 13th, Crescent Point Wickenheiser Center

Morse Detachment
Tuesday, Jan. 14th, Morse Community Hall

Leader Detachment
Tuesday, Jan. 14th, Leader Community Hall

Gravelbourg Detachment
Wednesday, Jan. 15th, Gravelbourg Town Office

Maple Creek Detachment
Jan. 15th, Maple Creek Armouries

Swift Current Rural Detachment
Thursday, Jan. 16th, All Saints School