Police Chief Troy Cooper says groups have to work together to reduce crime and increase safety in the community.
The Saskatoon Board of Police Commissioners reviewed a report Thursday about the Glasgow Model of community safety. The report states that in 2004-2005, Glasgow, Scotland had double the national rate of homicides, a decade later, that number dropped by 50 per cent.
The model brings police and rival gang members together to educate them on ways to live a life without violence.
The SPS Guns and Gangs Unit already regularly communicates with local gangs according to the report. When information comes to light about potential violence to a specific member, the police inform the individual of such threats.

Chief Cooper says the police service already works with a number of local organizations, although the Glasgow Model shows that police can continue to work more organizations to ensure people get the help they need.
“With regards to the meth, crystal meth crisis, we found that arresting people and having them not recieve treatment is ineffective. We find that chasing people who are committing some small petty crimes repeatedly is in effective. We need to be able to do this as a broader community approach.”
The Safe Community Action Alliance is an example of the police and other organizations coming toegther to address issues including the crystal meth crisis.

Photo: police_board