Saskatchewan marshals seek snipers, special gear

Regina – The Saskatchewan province is seeking bids for specialized equipment for its marshals police service, including sniper rifles, sound cannons and thermal cameras. The bid request, posted online recently, indicates the marshals require the gear for a specialized response unit. The unit would also need night vision goggles, hydraulic breaching tools and a multi-shot launcher, the province says.

The opposition NDP criticized the equipment's cost and relevance to the marshals' mandate. NDP community safety critic Hugh Gordon stated that some of the gear seems excessive, such as ballistic helmets, shields, and the sound cannon, suggesting the marshals might be the first officers through the door, but they have already ruled out such a role.

The province has not yet commented on the equipment purchases. The marshals service has stated no equipment has been purchased yet and would only acquire what is necessary based on operational needs, foreseeable risks, legislative requirements, and readiness. They began operations last year with the mandate to assist other policing agencies in combating rural crime, gangs and drug issues. Critics from the NDP claim the marshals have poached officers from other agencies instead of expanding their own force.

The marshals are planning to hire 70 officers, and the province is expanding training at the Saskatchewan Police College. Premier Michael Weger stated the government aims to attract people to the province for policing jobs.