Saskatchewan marshals seek snipers, special gear

Regina, Saskatchewan is considering purchasing high-tech gear for its Marshall police service, such as sniper rifles, sound cannons, and thermal cameras. The province posted a request for bids online, stating that the marshals need the equipment for a specialized response unit. The opposition NDP has questioned the cost and necessity of the items, suggesting that some, like ballistic helmets and sound cannons, may not align with the service's primary duties.

NDP community safety critic Hugh Gordon stated that the equipment appears to exceed what is needed for the marshals' promised responsibilities. He proposed that the money could be better allocated towards other essential services, such as shelters, recovery programs, or other policing agencies. The marshals have not yet purchased any equipment and said the decision would depend on operational needs.

They also must consider foreseeable risks, legislative requirements, and readiness when making their choices. The marshals service began operating last year with the mandate to assist other policing agencies in combating rural crime, gangs, and drugs. The NDP has previously criticized the service for allegedly poaching officers from other agencies instead of increasing staffing.

The party accused the marshals of hiring 27 officers this year, with two being new hires and the rest coming from other agencies. The service plans to hire 70 officers and continues to work towards that goal. The province's community safety minister, Michael Weger, emphasized the government's desire to attract people to the province for policing jobs and highlighted plans to expand training at the Saskatchewan Police College.