Panhandling calls down, Saskatoon patrol program says

After increased targeted patrols and more time spent dealing with groups of panhandlers over the past few months, the number of panhandling-related calls received by community support officers are down. 

The Community Support Program employs five enforcement officers in the Broadway, Riversdale and downtown areas of the city. They are responsible for enforcing several bylaws, including the city's bylaw on panhandling. 

A report prepared for the Street Activity Steering Committee said the number of calls related to bylaw enforcement in March was 26. But in April, only four bylaw related calls came in, said Lesley Prefontaine, supervisor of the Community Support Program.

Prefontaine said most bylaw calls involve issues with panhandlers. 

Prefontaine told Saskatoon Morning host Leisha Grebinski that over the past several months, the officers spent more time talking to business owners as well as talking with people who ask for money to encourage them to follow the bylaws.

"We want safe streets for everyone," Prefontaine said. She also credits the fact that many people in the city were talking about panhandling this spring, including those who ask for money on the streets.

​She has compiled a report on the latest number of calls. It will be presented to the city's committee on street activity today.