Downtown Safety

The Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) frequently hears from downtown business owners and visitors about challenges such as panhandling, loitering, and open drug and alcohol use.

SPS is committed to maintaining a visible presence, addressing crime and disorder, and working alongside community partners to support long-term solutions to complex social issues. This webpage is designed as an educational resource for those interested in learning more about the police response - along with some of the challenges and limitations of that response.

Resources

Supporting safety in the downtown core requires many layers of resources. From SPS, this includes the Bike Unit and Alternative Response Officers (AROs).

Introduced in 2021, AROs support enforcement and investigations, allowing more patrol constables to respond to calls for service. For example, AROs may be tasked with maintaining scene security or transporting a youth to Regina for a detox assessment—the only location in Saskatchewan that conducts these assessments. Previously, this would have required two patrol constables to complete the transport and intake process, leaving fewer officers available to respond to calls in Saskatoon.

Being homeless is not a crime. However, SPS officers often know unhoused and vulnerable community members by name, can de-escalate incidents involving them, and connect them with the supports they need.

Community Partnerships

Policing is just one piece of the puzzle. SPS works every day with community partners to ensure downtown safety is supported by compassion, connection, and accountability. These partnerships reduce the burden on police alone and contribute to the shared vision of a safe city embracing community.

Some of our partners include:

• Community Support Officers (Saskatoon Fire)
• Mobile Crisis
• STC’s Sawēyihtotān Program
• STC Wellness Centre
• Community-based organizations (Salvation Army, The Mustard Seed Shelter, Brief Detox Unit, Prairie Harm Reduction)
• Private security contractors

FAQ’s

Why can’t police arrest someone for open drug or alcohol use?

Federal Crown Prosecutors have directed that simple possession of illicit drugs will generally not be prosecuted. While officers can arrest an individual for drug possession and seize the substance for destruction, charges are typically not laid as they would ultimately be stayed or withdrawn. Even when no charges are pursued, the process still requires officers to complete detailed documentation, including an arrest report and an exhibit report to authorize the destruction of the seized drugs. This administrative work can remove an officer from active duty for one to two hours, limiting their availability for frontline response.

What happens if someone is intoxicated in public?

If someone appears to be in medical distress or unresponsive, call 911. If they are intoxicated but not posing a danger to themselves or others, we may respond and assess if they need support or connection to other service providers. Arrest is a last resort.

Can police issue tickets to people who are refusing to leave my business’s doorway?

Police can take enforcement action under provincial legislation such as The Trespass to Property Act. This may include issuing a ticket to individuals who refuse to leave private property when asked. However, in many cases – particularly when the individual has no fixed address or income – the ticket is unlikely to be paid and may eventually result in a warrant being issued. This approach can escalate the situation without addressing the underlying issues.

I’ve made police reports before but nothing ever happens so I’ve stopped calling.

We understand how frustrating it can be when it feels like nothing results from your report. Every report we receive plays a critical role in helping us identify trends, allocate resources, and prioritize our response. From January to June 2025, the SPS received over 83,000 calls for service – a nine per cent increase from the previous year. While we may not always be able to respond immediately or provide follow-up in every case, your information helps us build a clearer picture of what’s happening in our community and deploy resources where they’re most needed.

Who do I call regarding suspicious or nonviolent activity downtown?

Always call the SPS. For non-emergencies, call 306-975-8300. In an emergency, always call 9-1-1. Based on the details of your call, police will determine the most appropriate agency for response.

Examples

The following are common examples of some of the calls that our members frequently respond to:

It’s 6:30 a.m., and a business owner arrives to their store to find someone presumably intoxicated and blocking access to their store. The business owner calls Police, but the person hasn’t done anything actually illegal that gives officers the authority to arrest or remove them. Instead, officers will spend time trying to find somewhere better suited to care for the individuals. They spend several minutes calling around to the various options – the STC Wellness Centre is at full capacity (and in fact, has a waiting list), the Brief Detox Unit has no available beds, and the Mustard Seed on Pacific Avenue doesn’t begin to serve people until 9:00 p.m.

Police respond to an individual yelling and threatening people downtown with a large stick. This behaviour, understandably, frightens and makes people uncomfortable. It turns out the suspect is someone officers are familiar with, having encountered him many times before. In fact, he had just been arrested the week prior for similar behaviour. The Criminal Code dictates that police must release offenders, and to use the least restrictive conditions possible.

Top 5 Central Business District Call Types

1. Suspicious Person
2. Disturbance
3. Need Ambulance
4. Intoxication
5. Unknown Problem

Since 2020, 8% of all Calls for Service in Saskatoon have come from the Central Business District.

In 2024, the most common property crime reported in Central Business District was Theft Under $5,000 followed by Mischief/Willful Damage.

In 2024, the most common violent crime was assault (Common assault followed by Assault with a weapon or CBH).