Government Supports Visible Proactive Engagement Response (Viper) Safety Patrol in Moose Jaw

CANADA, September 21 - The Government of Saskatchewan is investing $68,000 from the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund to support the Moose Jaw Police Service's Visible Proactive Engagement Response (ViPER) Safety Patrol pilot program. An equal amount will also be provided to the Provincial Victims' Fund, to support victims of crime and aid in the delivery of community programming. 

"Our government is ensuring the proceeds of crime are reinvested into initiatives that make Saskatchewan communities safer," Justice Minister and Attorney General Tim McLeod, K.C. said. "The Moose Jaw Police Service's ViPER Safety Patrol provides a visible, proactive presence in the community, helping address public safety concerns, strengthen community relationships, and support effective policing while reducing demands on frontline resources."

The ViPER Safety Patrol program features four trained summer students conducting foot and bicycle patrols throughout Moose Jaw. As community ambassadors, they help create a safer and more welcoming community. The program enhances public safety, strengthens community engagement, improves perceptions of security, and helps reduce demands on police resources. 

“Community safety depends on innovative partnerships and proactive approaches to crime prevention,” Community Safety Minister Michael Weger said. “Through the ViPER Safety Patrol, the Moose Jaw Police Service is engaging directly with residents, enhancing safety in public spaces, and addressing community concerns before they escalate. The program is helping create a safer, more welcoming community while supporting effective and proactive policing.”

ViPER Patrol members’ duties include conflict resolution, removing graffiti, supporting bylaw enforcement, providing safety education, and offering safe-walk escorts.

"The Moose Jaw Police Service extends its appreciation to the province for this funding, which has been instrumental in getting the ViPER Safety Patrol program off the ground in its first year," Chief of Police Robert A. Davis said. "We have been extremely pleased with the overwhelmingly positive reception this program has received during its inaugural season. The positive impact of this program has been felt, particularly in Crescent Park and downtown Moose Jaw, by both long-time residents and visitors to our city alike."

The Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund is supported through the seizure of the proceeds of crime. Distributions from the fund are designed to enhance public safety, assist victims, and are made at least once per fiscal year when resources allow. Since its inception in 2009, $12 million has gone back into Saskatchewan communities.

Most of the proceeds forfeited come from drug traffickers. The forfeiture of these profits disrupts and deters future trafficking in Saskatchewan communities, as traffickers are unable to purchase additional drugs to re-sell and additionally it takes profits away from criminals motivated by financial gain. Since April 2024, the Civil Forfeiture Office has seized approximately $643,967 in illegal proceeds related to fentanyl trafficking. This is the equivalent of approximately 64,400 individual doses of fentanyl. 

In 2026-27, approximately $2.1 million was approved for distribution through the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund, building on more than $1.6 million distributed in 2025 to support police operations, the Victims’ Fund, and community organizations.