MEADOW LAKE TO GET FULL-TIME CANINE OFFICER

Last Tuesday, December 1 Corrections, Public Safety and Policing
Minister D.F. (Yogi) Huyghebaert signed a Letter of Understanding with
the RCMP for the use of a full-time drug dog in our provincial
correctional centres.

The province has agreed to provide the RCMP with funding for a new
canine officer position to be based out of Meadow Lake.

In turn, the ministry will then have access to full-time drug dog
services from that position, and others based out of Regina, Prince
Albert and the Battlefords. These RCMP Police Service dog teams will
conduct regular, routine searches in our correctional facilities and
seize any illegal drugs discovered during those searches.

Since late 2007, the ministry has been using the services of trained
dogs to conduct periodic, random searches of our correctional
facilities to crack down on drug use and trafficking. This partnership
with the RCMP will enhance those services and allow for the use of
drug dogs on a regular full-time basis.

"Over the past two years this Government has made much progress in
reducing the flow of illegal drugs in our correctional facilities,"
Huyghebaert said.

"The regular use of a fully trained police dog will continue to help
us to meet our mandate commitment of cracking down on drugs in jails."

"This initiative will allow the RCMP to strategically place a Police
Service Dog team in an area of the province that requires this
resource," Provincial Support Services Officer, RCMP 'F' Division
Inspector Garth Patterson said.

"The trained team will be able to assist the Correctional Facilities,
as well as respond to calls for service to the RCMP detachments and
communities in the area. This specialized resource will enhance our
service delivery regarding safe homes and safe communities."

This new position is expected to be staffed by spring 2010 with a
yearly operating cost of $130,000 dollars.