Alternate response officers are becoming a familiar part of the community in Saskatoon’s Riversdale neighbourhood. A letter sent to the Board of Police Commissioners last week by the Riversdale Business Improvement District suggested that even the people who are the reason for service and the call to police, are more accustomed to seeing the same faces of the AROs.

The letter asked if the time AROs are patrolling the streets could be extended or if the number of alternate response officers could be increased. Executive Director of the Riversdale BID, Randy Pshebylo says having AROs patrolling 20th Street during the 6 o’clock to 7 o’clock hour in the evening would help those grabbing a bite to eat or attending a show. He says they provide a great sense of connection when working with those in need in the area. “I can speak personally to having our office broken into three times in 36 hours where the AROs did attend and knew everybody, knew my staff and took statements from all of them. They knew the complications with some landlord in the neighbourhood and how to deal with those issues there.”

The Little Chief Community Station, which used to house police officers, closed its doors in 2011. In the letter, the BID stated having officers move out of the area was premature. The letter was received as information by the Board of Police Commissioners.