The Regina Police Service (RPS) is receiving $280,000 to renovate and update its indoor firearms range and criminals are ‘helping’ to pay for it. On Wednesday, the Government of Saskatchewan announced it is redirecting proceeds of crime through the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund to the RPS for the project. An equal funding amount will also be provided to the Victims’ Fund, which is used to support victims of crime and assist in the delivery of community programming. “Maintaining and updating police training facilities is one of the first steps in building safe communities for Saskatchewan residents and families,” said Michael Weger, Legislative Secretary for the Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety. “The Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund disbursement program allows us to distribute forfeited funds from criminal activity to law enforcement agencies and community organizations. With this distribution, Saskatchewan officers will benefit from a state-of-the-art training centre and instruction,” he added. Modernizing the facility, which is used by a variety of law enforcement agencies across the province, will provide officers with advances in firearms technology and optimal training experiences. The facility trains numerous Saskatchewan law enforcement personnel, including Saskatchewan Police College recruits from Prince Albert, Saskatoon, Corman Park, Vanscoy, Moose Jaw, Estevan, Weyburn, Luseland, Dalmeny and File Hills. Additionally, it assists in training Protective Services employees, as well as all municipal police agencies with firearms instructor programs through Saskatchewan’s Police College. Regina Police Service Deputy Chief Trent Stevely believes the time has arrived for the facility to be updated and renovated. “You can see it, it’s outdated. It has limitations,” said Stevely. “The technology is old. As a matter of fact, there are a number of (RPS) members here, including Acting Chief Davies, that 30 years ago we learned how to shoot a gun in essentially the same room. So it’s time for a renovation.” The Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund includes forfeited cash and the proceeds of other forfeited assets which are converted into cash under The Seizure of Criminal Property Act. Distributions from the fund are designed to enhance public safety and assist victims and are made at least once per fiscal year when resources allow. Since its inception in 2009, over $10 million has gone back into Saskatchewan communities through the Fund. Distributions approved in fall 2025 total over $1.6 million. In 2024-25, over $1.1 million was approved for distribution to police operations, the Victims’ Fund and community organizations.
