The southwest will see the addition of three new regional RCMP officers, based in Swift Current.

     Swift Current's Forensic Identification Unit will be restored with the addition of two officers, and the region will also have a brand new canine unit, with a police dog and handler.

     Premier Brad Wall, and Corrections, Public Safety, and Policing Minister Yogi Huyghebaert, made the announcement at the RCMP's regional headquarters in Swift Current yesterday.

     Huyghebaert says this is all part of the Saskatchewan Party government's goal to add 120 cops to Saskatchewan communities within their four-year term.  With yesterday's announcement, they are now halfway to that goal.

     Wall adds that the new officers will go a long way to adding security for homes and businesses in the southwest, with the increased investigation capacity and canine unit based in Swift Current.  They are able to go across the province as needed.

     The canine unit is expected to arrive by the end of November, with the other officers coming within the next few months.