Services
We address a variety of concerns and calls for service involving:
Business Connections
CSP officers pride themselves on their relationship with business owners and their managers and staff in the BIDS. While on patrol during a typical day we will visit dozens of businesses and listen to their concerns or simply talk about their business so that we can inform visitors to our city what we have to offer. Often times people will approach us and say “we heard of this great little breakfast or lunch place but can’t find it, can you help us”. In the fiscal year 2018 we interacted with our local businesses on over 3,900 occasions. Over 70% of our 2,300 calls for service were generated by businesses. This tells us we are trusted as a great resource by the business community to help them resolve issues affecting their day to day operations.
Mental Health
CSP officers have extensive training and experience in dealing with people who experience mental illness. We have a vast knowledge of resources available to people who are in crisis or struggling. Our staff are on a first name basis with hundreds of people who frequent the three BIDS. By interacting with people on a regular base we build trust in the community so that people who occasionally find themselves experiencing a crisis feel comfortable in letting us guide them to the proper resources.
Deterring Negative Street Activity
We are a visible uniformed presence in the three BIDS. Along with bylaw enforcement, we monitor persons who panhandle to ensure they are aware of the rules governing this activity. While our main focus is outreach and ensuring people are aware of, and accessing the services they need, we are equipped with two way radios and in constant contact with SPS communications and police officers in the immediate area. When we relay information to police it assists them in prioritising their calls to determine if their attendance is required. Our unique presence and visibility encourages all members of the community to approach us and report negative street activity.
Needle Pick up
Our staff are always available to remove and properly dispose of discarded needles. We keep detailed records of our needle pickups and report monthly to city departments with regard to location and quantity. The information is used to increase safety in addressing discarded needles. We participate in the yearly spring needle clean up in the Riversdale BID. If we are not available at the time of your needle sighting please call the Saskatoon Fire Department 306-975-3030.
City Bylaw and Enforcement
The CSP officers are official Saskatoon City bylaw enforcement officers. We are given the authority by the City to enforce 6 specific bylaws that pertain to street safety. We use a combination of education and enforcement techniques to address safety and nuisance issues. Please reference the links to the bylaws below;
Mediation
The CSP officers are all trained in non-confrontational mediation and de-escalation techniques and spend a considerable amount of time working to settle disputes and de-escalate people. By knowing the people we regularly assist we are able to quickly determine what intervention may be needed and gain their trust and cooperation to ensure a successful outcome.
Safety Education
CSP contributes to Safety Education by conversing with all members of the public and advising them on unsafe activity and access to services. We also frequently co-present with SPS at meetings and lunch and learns etc. on issues of personal safety and awareness.
Suspicious Persons and Loitering
We regularly receive calls from businesses and community members regarding concerns with loitering. Because we can usually attend quickly, we help to deter negative street activity and give business owners and their staff a better sense of security and uniformed presence. Information is quickly relayed to police if necessary. Saskatoon Police Service communications staff monitor CSP calls and location via GPS and two-way radios. If police officers are requested by CSP they arrive within minutes as they are always in close vicinity attending to other higher priority calls.
Minor Disturbances
CSP regularly attends to minor disturbances that are not criminal in nature. By quickly arriving at the scene we assess the incident and help to determine if police are required to attend. Often times a minor disturbance is caused by a person experiencing mental health distress. We take time to listen to the person and determine where they can access the assistance they require. We may walk the person to the services required or arrange transportation. Initial contact with the service providers is often done by our officers in order to remove barriers.
Substance Use and Public Intoxication
We receive calls from businesses, community members and Saskatoon City Police when substance use and public intoxication is observed. We have people transported quickly and efficiently to shelters or services they need. This greatly reduces the strain on emergency services and frees them up to attend to other more serious calls. This partnership also reduces the number of people admitted to police cells and/or hospital emergency rooms.
Advocating for Vulnerable Community Members
Growing out of our relationships with the business community, service providers, area residents, and the Saskatoon Police Service, the CSP reduces negative street activity while helping our most vulnerable community members access the services they need. We regularly accompany vulnerable people to appointments they may have or services they require. When people are accessing the services they need our entire community benefits.
Community Outreach
While on patrol we visit businesses, service providers, shelters, and interact with the public with the goal of ensuring a safe environment for everyone to experience the arts and culture , unique shops, and dining locations in the Downtown, Riversdale and Broadway Business Improvement Districts.
The Community Support Program is a proud member of the Safe Communities Action Alliance, and we want to hear from you.
The Community Support Program strives to operate with the highest of ethical standards and delivery of service. If you believe this has not occurred and wish to file a formal complaint, please visit our Contact Us page and fill out the feedback form.
