The Saskatoon Police Service is committed to public safety in every area of Saskatoon including the downtown. Our Service continually assesses the deployment of officers in an effort to work on proactive policing including beat patrols, and to ensure a rapid response to calls for service. The downtown area is unique in Saskatoon in its make-up and presents policing challenges. The mix of businesses, residents, and a high number of agencies providing services to those in our community dealing with issues including mental health, addictions and homelessness requires a balance of considerations. In this environment the SPS values its partners and their perspectives as we explore new possibilities or adjust current strategies to address safety concerns. Currently our Service is involved in the following initiatives;

• Our Service allocates staffing resources strategically, maximizing the use of available staff.
• 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.

We want to assure the citizens of Saskatoon that the Saskatoon Police Service is responsive to their concerns. We are always studying new models of policing and new approaches to address the needs of our community. We are planning on continued work with our partners to ensure a safe and vibrant downtown.