Police officers in Saskatchewan are set to benefit from a revamped shooting range funded by seized criminal assets. The provincial government announced plans to allocate over $280,000 from the criminal property forfeiture fund to upgrade 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 whenever the forfeiture fund is utilized for law enforcement purposes.
Acting Regina police chief Lorilee Davies expressed satisfaction in repurposing ill-gotten gains to reduce operational costs, stating, “If we’re able to take some of this money that’s been used for evil and not good, and repurpose it to reduce some of our costs, then I think that that’s a good thing.” The firing range, utilized by police forces from various communities, including Prince Albert, Estevan, Luseland, and File Hills, is in need of modernization for improved officer training and safety.
Regina police Deputy Chief Trent Stevely highlighted the outdated nature of the current range, noting that it has remained largely unchanged for decades. The anticipated renovations aim to enhance training scenarios, bolster safety measures, and soundproof the facility. Completion is expected by the beginning of summer 2026.
Funded by cash seized in drug-related activities and proceeds from crime-linked property sales, the forfeiture fund aims to dismantle financial incentives for criminal behavior by preventing illicit profits from being used in future crimes. Corrections and policing ministry spokesman Michael Weger emphasized the importance of this initiative in supporting crime victims within the justice system and community organizations. The fund, overseen by a panel of justice ministry and victims services representatives, has allocated over $10 million since 2009 for various law enforcement and victim support initiatives.