The province is providing a one-time grant of around $305,000 to the Saskatoon Police Service for two alternative response officers for two years. A news release from the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety says AROs provide an additional uniformed presence in the community and support Saskatoon Police Service investigations and enforcement opportunities.

Police Chief Troy Cooper says, “The provincial funding received will have an immediate impact on public safety, specifically in areas where social programs are provided.” The officers have been hired and are already being trained in the community.

The Saskatoon Police Service’s website says AROs are unarmed and are meant to free up regular police officers so they can respond to more serious situations. The duties of an ARO include working with vulnerable people and helping them connect with support services, taking complaints from citizens, and walking the beat, as a few examples.