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
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
The following are under the RPS as of 2025:[12]
- Headquarters
- Community Services Division
- Corporate Services Division
- Support Services Division
- Investigative Services Division
Oversight
The RPS is governed under the Board of Police Commissioners.[13]
Ranks
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
- ^ "Regina Police Service". Regina Police Service. November 7, 2023. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
- ^ "Policing Policies and Practices" (PDF).
- ^ "Chief's Message". Regina Police Service. Archived from the original on June 27, 2013.
- ^ a b c d e f "Historic Timeline". May 13, 2013.
- ^ "Kosovo". Archived from the original on August 4, 2002.
- ^ "New Look, Great Service". July 19, 2012.
- ^ Natascia Lypny (December 7, 2015). "City of Regina saying goodbye to Municipal Justice Building". leaderpost. Regina Leader Post. Retrieved June 15, 2025.
- ^ Stephanie Taylor (December 6, 2017). "Regina police eye purchase of tactical armoured truck". CBC News. Retrieved June 15, 2025.
- ^ Arthur White-Crummey (January 28, 2018). "Police spending would rise four per cent under 2018 budget proposal". leaderpost. Regina Leader Post.
- ^ Laura Sciarpelletti (June 22, 2023). "New Regina police headquarters hosts flag-raising ceremony ahead of opening to public next week". CBC News.
- ^ a b David Prisciak (April 15, 2024). "Regina police recruiting 'alternate response officers'". CTV News.
- ^ "Find a Unit". March 10, 2016.
- ^ "Regina Police Service". City of Regina.
