The Chief of the Saskatoon Police Service feels they are well prepared for 2020.

Troy Cooper says they have re-directed provincial resources for local use and will have an additional 10 officers in the field for the new year with eight devoted full-time to the Pleasant Hill area where the new safe injection drug site will be opening.

The city has had a record 16 homicides in 2019 and saw violent crime increase nine percent.

Cooper says they had to react quickly to an unprecedented spike in violent crime last summer and have made the necessary adjustments in case it happens again.

Cooper says he is proud of how officers responded to the challenge.

The Chief stresses police will continue to partner with health, education and social service providers in an effort to reduce addiction related crimes.

He feels that would greatly contribute to making Saskatoon a safer city.