Saskatoon police adding two alternative response officers

The Saskatoon Police Service is set to grow by two officers.

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety announced it was giving a one-time grant of around $305,000 to the service to fund two alternative response officer positions.

“Government is proud to partner with the Saskatoon Police Service to fund these positions, which will enhance public safety and outreach in Saskatoon,” Christine Tell, the province’s corrections, policing and public safety minister, said in a media release.

“Alternative response officers and other community safety officers represent an important evolution in modern policing, and provide an excellent opportunity for those who want to make a difference in their community.”

The officers will be trained over an 11-week period at Saskatoon Police Service headquarters. They’ll be trained in things such as de-escalation processes, community engagement strategies, defensive tactics, culturally informed policing, and working with other agencies that provide services to at-risk individuals.

“The provincial funding received will have an immediate impact on public safety, specifically in areas where social programs are provided,” Saskatoon Police Service Chief Troy Cooper said. “The officers have been hired and are already being trained, much of which will be in the community. We are grateful for the provincial support and the additional resources.”