SASKATOON – The Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) has concluded a downtown enforcement initiative.
The Alternative Response Officers and Bike Unit are dedicated to public safety in Saskatoon’s downtown core. As part of this commitment, three operational periods throughout July and August focused on public consumption of alcohol/drugs and loitering in the areas at the intersection of 2nd Avenue South and 21st Street East, and in the 200 block of 20th Street East.
As a result, officers made 30 arrests under the Summary and Offence Procedures Act, 1990 (SOPA), issued 36 tickets under the Alcohol and Gaming Regulation Act, 1997 (AGRA), laid 25 criminal code charges, and executed 10 warrants.
While enforcement remains an important tool, the SPS recognizes that many individuals in the downtown community face complex challenges including mental health, addictions, and homelessness issues. Addressing these issues requires more than enforcement alone. SPS continues to work closely with community partners in health, housing, and social services as part of a whole-of-city approach, with the shared goal of a safer and healthier downtown for everyone.
