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The Saskatchewan Highway Patrol (SHP) will swing into action July 1.

Former members of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement were given expanded responsibilities two weeks ago, including the power to enforce Criminal Code violations.

“The officers will be responding to situations where previously only the police would be involved,” said Highways and Infrastructure Minister David Marit in a press release.

While their primary responsibility is commercial vehicle enforcement, SHP officers will respond to 911 calls, collisions, and impaired drivers.

They will also support the provincial Protection and Response Team (PRT).

The PRT was set up by the province in 2017 to help reduce rural crime, and includes officers from the RCMP and municipal forces.

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“Increasing the presence of uniformed officers in rural areas will help deter crime,” Marit said.

“It will also improve response times to emergency calls, including crimes that are in progress.”

READ MORE: Province announces team to lower crime in rural Saskatchewan

They are also tasked with enforcing speed limits.

“Drivers need to be aware that Saskatchewan Highway Patrol officers will now be enforcing traffic violations for commercial and private vehicles,” Marit stated.

The new name comes with a new look as officers will be patrolling in vehicles with a blue stripe down the side along with the SHP name and crest.

SHP members have received extensive training in enhanced use of force and high-risk vehicle stops.

They have also been taught how to deal with people with mental health issues, and the collection and control of evidence.

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