Sask. NDP promise to hire 200 police officers, redirect money from marshals service

Saskatchewan New Democratic Leader Carla Beck promised more police officers on the campaign trail Monday, while the Saskatchewan Party's Scott Moe offered some health-care help.

Beck told reporters in Regina an NDP government would hire 100 Mounties and municipal police officers if elected on Oct. 28.

She said the plan includes $10 million for more boots on the ground and another $10 million for addictions treatment and mental health services.

Beck said the money would come from redirecting funds from the incumbent Saskatchewan Party's marshals service, which has been pegged to cost $20 million a year once operational.

"I've heard from so many families who are scared to send their kids down to the corner store after dark, people who are scared to walk their dogs, seniors who are afraid in their houses and people in rural communities who are concerned about the long and growing wait times to respond to RCMP calls," Beck said.

"It's time for change. You deserve to feel safe in your own home and in your own community."

Saskatchewan's crime rate increased this past year and has been ranked the worst in the country for 25 straight years according to statistics from the Canadian Centre for Justice.

Moe has introduced a new police force, known as the marshals service, to work with RCMP and reduce crime.

The service has been criticized by some municipal leaders and the union representing Mounties for being a waste of money. They say the money would be better spent on existing policing.

Earlier this summer, Moe announced $17 million to hire 100 municipal police officers, create safer communities and expedite police training.