Engagement

 
 

The Saskatoon Board of Police Commissioners, in its role as a conduit between the public and the Saskatoon Police Service, endeavours to engage with the public about community safety and policing matters of interest of them. 

2021 Community Conversations

In 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Saskatoon Board of Police Commissioners hosted a series of virtual conversations with various groups in the community to solicit feedback and ideas for consideration by the Board in its future strategic planning.

Invited participants represented the following groups:

  • Business Groups

  • Diversity Groups

  • Front Line Service Groups

  • Indigenous Groups

  • Service Clubs and Seniors Groups

  • Community Associations

  • Newcomer Groups & Cultural Associations

  • Groups Who Work with Youth

Twelve sessions took place over a two-month period (June 10 to August 10, 2021). The sessions were hosted by members of the Commission, and each session was attended by at least one member of the Saskatoon Police Service in an executive or leadership position. A formal script was used in each session to ensure consistency in messaging and obtaining feedback.

The sessions used a roundtable format; conversation topics included the following questions:

#1: What is the biggest challenge facing your community/neighbourhood when it comes to public safety?
#2: What are the top policing values you would like to see created and/or strengthened in our community?
#3: How can your organization contribute to strengthening a culture of community safety in Saskatoon?

Representatives from 61 organizations participated in the sessions. Individuals unable to attend a planned session were provided with a link to an online survey which asked the same questions. A total of 19 individuals completed the survey online.

The 2021 Community Conversations Report includes a summary of what was heard during the sessions. 

2019 Consultation on Crime and Community Safety in Saskatoon 

In 2019, the Saskatoon Board of Police Commissioners hosted its annual Community Consultation with a focus on:

  • Crime and community safety in our neighbourhoods, and

  • Strategies being used by city-wide and community-based groups to enhance community safety.

More than 80 people from community associations, service providers and groups with an interest in community safety, from right across the city, attended the event. They provided their views, opinions, ideas, and suggestions directly to the members of the Saskatoon Board of Police Commissioners who took on the role of facilitators at each discussion table with recorders capturing the discussions.

Three presentations were provided with table discussions following these. The discussions at the table were thoughtful, vigorous, and diverse. The contribution of interested citizens in the issue of community safety wassincerely appreciated by the members of the Saskatoon Board of Police Commissioners.

Participants heard the following presentations:

  • The Safe Community Action Alliance on SCAA purpose, processes and community safety strategies.

  • Two Community Associations (Pleasant Hill Community Association, Varsity View Community Association) on crime and community safety in their neighbourhoods and initiatives they undertake to increase community safety.

  • The Saskatoon Police Service on key elements of the Service’s Strategic Plan, canvassing for issues that matter in participants’ neighbourhoods and communities.

The 2019 Community Safety Issues and Actions Report provides a summary of what was heard during the community meeting. In the interests of continuing to promote and evaluate opportunities for enhanced community safety, the Board captured the key messages heard at the Consultation, followed by identification of initiatives, strategies, and observations on these issues.