REGINA, Sask. — Regina police are reporting a four per cent increase in overall crime so far this year, while officers continue to deal with drug trafficking, overdoses, pedestrian collisions and concerns surrounding the city’s homeless encampment.
Those issues were among the key topics discussed Tuesday during the Regina Board of Police Commissioners meeting, which included reports on the school resource officer program and crime through August.
The board received the SRO review, which outlined how 15 officers are working across Regina schools under a formal partnership between Regina Public Schools, Regina Catholic Schools and the Regina Police Service.
The program dates back to 1978 and was formally reshaped following a 2023 review. A five-year memorandum of understanding was signed in December 2025, with the partners committing to continued collaboration and annual reviews.
Staff Sgt. Alana Heiliger told the board the officers are focused on building relationships rather than simply responding to incidents.
The numbers show the breadth of that work. In 2025, SROs delivered 158 presentations, conducted 201 lockdown drills, completed more than 1,000 records-related reports, held 192 mediations or problem-solving meetings, participated in 104 events and initiated 118 violent threat risk assessments.
Chief Lorilee Davies said the positions are highly sought after within the service and described the program as an investment in Regina’s youth.
“The people that we have working that section are incredibly engaged,” Davies said. “They want to make a difference. They're really invested in the students and making the school environment safe.”
The board also received the police service’s August crime overview.
From January through August, reported crime was up four per cent compared with the same period last year. Crimes against people were essentially unchanged, falling 0.1 per cent, while property crime increased 5.5 per cent. Break-and-enters and vehicle thefts continued to decline, but thefts under and over $5,000 continued rising.
Bin fires remain a particular pressure point. Police recorded 45 in August, a 23.2 per cent increase. At the same time, total reported arsons fell 13.1 per cent, partly because a reporting change introduced this year removed some intentionally set, non-criminal fires from the arson category.
The month also produced what police described as a significant breakthrough in the fight against fentanyl.
Three people were charged following an investigation into fentanyl production and trafficking after police seized roughly 1.5 kilograms of processed fentanyl, more than 81 grams of suspected unprocessed fentanyl, manufacturing materials, methamphetamine and cash.
Davies confirmed it was Regina’s first charge involving fentanyl production.
“Typically, we found things that are all, you know, they're ready to be sold,” Davies said. “So really, kudos, like I said, to the drug unit for that investigation.”
Another investigation resulted in the seizure of approximately 3.5 kilograms of fentanyl from an Alberta man, while a separate operation seized cocaine, methamphetamine and unidentified pills.
Police also responded to 40 overdose incidents in August, including seven fatalities, and officers administered Narcan six times. The Complex Needs Facility recorded 228 admissions during the month, bringing its total since opening in July 2024 to 3,412.
Davies said police can respond to emergencies and disrupt drug trafficking, but cannot solve substance-use disorder alone.
“Substance use disorder is such a complex issue that police, we cannot be the fix,” she said.
The chief also said police are involved in discussions about Saskatchewan’s new approach to addiction treatment, with North Battleford identified as the pilot site. She said Regina has not yet been given a rollout date, but police are providing input based on their experience with the Complex Needs Facility.
Road safety was another major concern.
Davies said there is no single pattern explaining the recent series of collisions involving pedestrians, cyclists and e-scooter riders. Police have not linked the incidents to impaired or distracted driving, but she said everyone using the road needs to remain fully engaged.
“We can't just assume that the other users of the roadways will be following the rules,” Davies said. “And unfortunately we, we have seen a large number of injuries.”
After the meeting, Mayor Chad Bachynski was also asked about the Sept. 16 assault of Regina Transit driver Trevor Poncsak.
Bachynski said security measures approved in the last budget are now being implemented, and the city will assess whether they are effective.
“It's unfortunate kind of timing that we're just kind of getting that rolling out now,” Bachynski said. “But we'll work through it. We'll learn and see if that is a tool that helps.”
Bachynski said he would prefer the Amalgamated Transit Union, which represents Regina Transit workers, first meet with the city’s operations team before any recommendations come to council.
Police Chief Lorilee Davies said the investigation into the assault remains active and officers are reviewing video and working to identify the person responsible. She also pointed to a recent Criminal Code amendment creating a specific offence for assaulting a transit operator.
Homeless encampments were another major issue after the meeting.
Bachynski said the city is watching how Saskatoon is responding while continuing with its own approach, which he described as focused on moving people from encampments into appropriate supports.
He said more than 60 people currently living at the Regina encampment have told the city they are ready to leave, but housing and other spaces are still needed.
“Encampments are not safe places for people to live,” Bachynski said. “Obviously, as the weather turns, it's going to create a more challenging situation.”
Davies said police are increasing their presence around the encampment and are investigating criminal activity while working with the city and other partners.
“Police are not forefront encampment response, but certainly we have a seat at the table in determining what next steps might look like,” she said.
The board ultimately received both administration reports and moved into a private session, closing a meeting that touched nearly every major public safety pressure currently facing Regina.
