Saskatoon police station now open to public after temporary COVID-19 closure

The Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) has reopened its doors to the public.

Saskatoon's police station quietly reopened Tuesday as part of an attempt to bring service levels back to normal.

"We would still prefer, of course, that if you don't need to see a police officer in person, you could call down to the office on the non-emergency number," said SPS Chief Troy Cooper.

"We've done our best to reopen the doors of the government and reopen Saskatchewan."

Last week, an advocate told CBC that an alleged sexual assault victim tried to come forward with her story to police, but was told the station was closed.

At the time, police acknowledged that the closed station may have created barriers to reporting crimes and that alternative reporting options may not work for everyone.

Chief Cooper said that 'non-compliance' calls dealing with gatherings of more than 10 people, in contravention of the public health order, have continued to come in.

Police have responded to about 400 calls of people not following health guidelines, with about 25 coming this week alone.

So far, Saskatoon officers have not ticketed anyone for breaking the guidelines.

"The actual legislation that allows for ticketing under that act has been rarely utilized in Saskatchewan," he said. 

"It's the last resort."

Cooper said warm weather has brought an upswing in complaints.

The police station will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST. Criminal record checks, and lost and found, have also reopened.