The Saskatoon Police Service says the mix of businesses, residents and a high number of agencies providing services in the community for those dealing with mental health, addictions and homelessness means balancing considerations.
The Saskatoon Police Service is responding to concerns about recent events in the downtown core. There was an individual charged with chasing the lunchtime crowd on 2nd Avenue and 20th Street with a hatchet as well as a shooting at a downtown bar on 21st.
Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark, in an interview with CJWW radio, acknowledged there has been a ramp up in difficulties for a year but notes that the last ten days have increased sensitivity around the Lighthouse. He also noted there were a dozen constables and special constables being hired for this budget year and pointed to a new approach to distributing police officers in the city, by smaller district rather than larger divisions.
Saskatoon’s Police Service says their service is involved in the following initiatives:
– The Service works on a whole-of-city approach in addressing quality of life calls for service through units like PACT, HUB and Strengthening Families.
– The top five calls for service are not necessarily criminal, but quality of life calls.
– A plan to change the district model of policing in Saskatoon is underway and will be designed to allow for a more consistent police presence in the downtown area
– An alternate policing model is currently being developed for 2021 and is designed to add to police visibility.
Currently, officers on beats and on bikes have a regular presence in the downtown area.
– Staff have been redeployed for special operations during the summer months and at Christmas. Additional officers will be working during several Juno events.
– Ten new frontline staff have been added for 2020. Once training is complete they will help increase the presence of police in Central Division and result in less draw on policing resources from other areas of the City.
– Our Service meets regularly with stakeholders in the downtown area, including Downtown YXE and The Dube Lighthouse to hear their concerns and provide information about policing.
– Our Service participates in the Safe Community Action Alliance and the Restorative Action Program.
– Two high profile recent criminal occurrences in the downtown area resulted in an immediate police response followed by arrests of suspects and charges laid.
