Saskatoon Police Chief, Troy Cooper, says calls for service have decreased during the pandemic 13%. Over the last 9 weeks Saskatoon Police have seen a similar amount of crimes against persons, but a significant decrease in property crimes like theft and break and enters.

During the pandemic, police have recorded 300 complaints for COVID-19 related issues. Chief Cooper says many of these calls are complaints of gatherings of over ten people but no tickets have been issued to date, he explains people have complied with officers in these instances and adds people should continue to be mindful of the public health orders. Chief Cooper says domestic violence calls have gone up recently, which he attribute to a global trend during the pandemic.

Heading towards Phase 2 of Saskatchewan’s Re-open Plan, Chief Cooper suggests they will be looking into opening public facing police services but that plan hasn’t been completed just yet. With changes in the seasons and warmer temperatures officers are getting more traffic related complaints and have expanded traffic enforcement to hot spots across the city including Spadina and 8th Street. Bike patrols and an increased downtown presence is ongoing as Chief Coopers says they look to ensure the protection of businesses that are currently closed during the pandemic.