Saskatoon mayor says social factors driving crime 'a wicked problem'

The Saskatoon Board of Police Commissioners received the results Thursday of a community safety consultation held  Oct. 16 to hear concerns from members of the public.

The board heard concerns about social issues like addiction, homelessness and human trafficking. Much of the conversation centred on the underlying social causes of crime.

"There's been a growing anxiety about safety in the community," said Mayor Charlie Clark.

"It's a wicked problem, the social factors that are driving crime."

One of the themes the report identifies is lack of police resources.

"Clearly, the police are not the answer to all of these problems, even though they cannot be ignored. The answers lie with those more skilled in each area," says the report

"To reduce crime it takes the community to work on education of the marginalized, reducing homelessness, creating more employment for indigenous people, more resources for mental health and ending violence against women."

Call for community partnerships

Saskatoon Police Service asked council last year that 11 new officers be added to the force. The request was approved in the budget. 

Eight officers are now part of the Community Mobilization Unit, centred on the Pleasant Hill area. Two new officers have been recruited to backfill as needed. Those individuals are currently in police college.

While the addition of officers may help with fatigue and enforcement, it's not the only solution, Cooper said.

"We certainly have to have community partnerships and partnerships from other social support agencies. You know education and health and social services and all those other organizations that like us are responsible for community safety."

The chief also said the community must come up with soem fo the solutions to the issues.

Members of the Varsity View and Pleasant Hill community associations attended consultations at the Farmer's Market in October. The meeting was part of a five-month initiative to involve community in police and safety decisions.

At the time, the president of the Varsity View Community association said his neighbours often witness thefts and drug drop-offs.

"We could call in. But is that what you want? Will you respond? Who knows?" said Jonathan Naylor, echoing deep concern in the community about police response times.