REGINA - The first ten experienced police officers for the Saskatchewan Marshals Service have started training, but none were recruited away from the ranks of the RCMP.
That is the word from the Marshals Service, in response to more criticism of the force being lobbed from the opposition New Democrats.
In a statement Monday, the NDP's Nicole Sarauer said that many officers in the Marshals Service "seem to have been poached from the RCMP and municipal police forces."
"By doing this, they are effectively defunding the RCMP and the local police forces that keep our communities safe. We would get far better value for our money by investing these Marshal Service dollars directly into the RCMP and local police — rather than creating more government bureaucracy."
But according to the statement from the Marshals Service, none of their recruit class consists of any former RCMP.
"None of the ten marshals sworn in the morning were previously Saskatchewan Mounties. To date, the SMS has hired one Mountie from BC who is expected to start in the fall."
According to their news release, the ten new Marshals have begun the SMS Experienced Police Officer training, a comprehensive seven-week program that combines in-service training, mandatory qualifications and online coursework.
It will include firearms training; defensive tactics; tactical emergency casualty care; high risk vehicle stops; trauma informed policing; and Indigenous culture. Following training, the Marshals will host a graduation in April.
“The excitement is building as the Saskatchewan Marshals Service prepares to launch a year ahead of schedule,” said Deputy Chief of Enforcement, Rich Lowen. “Training is the key to excellence and we are ensuring our team is prepared, capable and ready to serve throughout the Province of Saskatchewan."
