Regina Police Service
| Regina Police Service | |
|---|---|
 RPS logo | |
| Abbreviation | RPS |
| Agency overview | |
| Formed | 1892 |
| Preceding agency |
|
| Jurisdictional structure | |
| Operations jurisdiction | Canada |
| Legal jurisdiction | Regina, Sasketchewan |
| Constituting instrument |
|
| General nature | |
| Operational structure | |
| Agency executive |
|
| Website | |
| https://www.reginapolice.ca/ | |
The Regina Police Service (RPS) is the primary police service for the city of Regina, Saskatchewan and holds both municipal and provincial jurisdiction. Formed in 1892, it employs 347 sworn officers and 139 unsworn employees. The current chief of police is Farooq Hassan Sheikh.[1] Its activities are governed based on The Police Act, 1990 and The Municipal Police Discipline Regulations, 1991.[2]
The RPS has partnerships with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Canadian National Railway Police Service and the Canadian Pacific Railway Police Service.[3]
History
[edit]The RPS can be traced back to 1892 when the city of Regina appointed James Williams to serve as the first town constable.[4] In 1903, R.J. Harwood was appointed as the first Chief Constable, abolishing the town constable position.[4]
In 1931, the first RPS police station was built in Regina by Harold Dawson in an Art Deco style.[4] The service was originally based in City Hall before they moved to the basement of Alexandra School.[4] In 1953, the RPS Headquarters Building at 1770 Halifax Street (turned to the Municipal Justice Building) was expanded in response to demand for more space.[4] In 1962, Smith & Wesson revolvers were issued to the RPS to replace the Colt and Webley revolvers.[4]
From September 2000, RPS officers were sent to the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo as UN police officers.[5]
In July 2012, the RPS adopted a new coat of arms with the term Vigilius Genus (A Most Vigilant Breed) used to replace Century of Service, which was adopted in 1992.[6]
In December 2015, the Municipal Justice Building was closed off to be demolished and sold.[7]
In December 2017, the RPS has considered purchasing an armored tactical vehicle.[8] In January 2018, the Regina City Council announced that they are considering the budget proposal with funding for a tactical rescue vehicle.[9]
In June 2023, the news RPS Headquarters was unveiled in a ceremony, located at 1717 Saskatchewan Dr.[10]
In April 2024, the RPS created the Alternate Response Officers (AROS) program for public safety events, enforce bylaws, assist in protecting crime scenes and transport arrested persons, allowing armed officers to be freed up.[11] They are appointed as special constables.[11]
Organization
[edit]The following are under the RPS as of 2025:[12]
- Headquarters
- Community Services Division
- Corporate Services Division
- Support Services Division
- Investigative Services Division
Oversight
[edit]The RPS is governed under the Board of Police Commissioners.[13]
Ranks
[edit]The following ranks are observed in the RPS:
- Chief of police
- Deputy chief
- Commissioner of police
- Assistant commissioner
- Inspector
- Staff Sergeant
- Sergeant
- Corporal
- Constable
References
[edit]- ^ "Regina Police Service". Regina Police Service. 7 November 2023. Retrieved 2024-02-27.
- ^ "Policing Policies and Practices" (PDF).
- ^ "Chief's Message". Regina Police Service. Archived from the original on 27 June 2013.
- ^ a b c d e f "Historic Timeline". 13 May 2013.
- ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20020804002346/http://www.police.regina.sk.ca/kosovo.htm
- ^ "New Look, Great Service". 19 July 2012.
- ^ Natascia Lypny (2015-12-07). "City of Regina saying goodbye to Municipal Justice Building". Regina Leader Post. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
- ^ Stephanie Taylor (2017-12-06). "Regina police eye purchase of tactical armoured truck". CBC News. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
- ^ Arthur White-Crummey (2018-01-28). "Police spending would rise four per cent under 2018 budget proposal". Regina Leader Post.
- ^ Laura Sciarpelletti (2023-06-22). "New Regina police headquarters hosts flag-raising ceremony ahead of opening to public next week". CBC News.
- ^ a b David Prisciak (2024-04-15). "Regina police recruiting 'alternate response officers'". CTV News.
- ^ "Find a Unit". 10 March 2016.
- ^ "Regina Police Service".
