Police officers in Saskatchewan will soon have access to an upgraded gun range for marksmanship training, thanks to a renovation project funded by seized cash and property from criminals. The provincial government announced a plan to allocate over $280,000 from the criminal property forfeiture fund to revamp the firing range at Regina Police Service headquarters. An equal sum will also be directed to the provincial victims’ fund in accordance with the Seizure of Criminal Property Act, which mandates contributions whenever the forfeiture fund supports police initiatives.
Acting Regina police chief Lorilee Davies emphasized the positive impact of repurposing funds derived from illicit activities towards enhancing operational efficiency. The indoor firing range at the Regina Police Service headquarters is utilized by police forces from various communities for training purposes, including Prince Albert, Estevan, Luseland, and File Hills.
Deputy Chief Trent Stevely highlighted the outdated state of the current range, noting that officers have been training in the same facility for decades. The planned renovations aim to modernize the range, improve training scenarios, and enhance safety measures for officers. Anticipated to be completed by the summer of 2026, the project will include soundproofing upgrades for the walls.
Funded by seized assets from drug-related activities and proceeds from the sale of crime-associated property, the province’s forfeiture fund plays a crucial role in deterring criminal activities by removing financial incentives. Michael Weger, spokesperson for the corrections and policing ministry, emphasized the importance of reinvesting seized funds into supporting crime victims and enhancing law enforcement efforts within the community.
The renovation project underscores the commitment to utilizing seized assets for positive outcomes, benefiting both law enforcement agencies and crime victims. The fund allocation process involves a panel of representatives from the justice ministry and victims services who determine how the funds will be utilized. Since 2009, over $10 million has been utilized from the fund for various initiatives, such as purchasing equipment for police services and renovating advocacy centers.