New police unit will attempt to address complex needs of Regina's downtown area

Safety of downtown Regina gets a boost WATCH: The safety of downtown Regina is getting a boost in a big way. Mick Favel explains.

A new unit within the Regina Police Service (RPS) has been introduced that is meant to address the unique and complex needs of the city's downtown area.

The Alternative Response Officers (ARO) unit, is currently made up of seven special constables. Their goals are to assist in creating a safer and more welcoming city.

“We need to think outside of the box in terms of what’s good for our community. Provide that proactive presence and really engage with people,” Deputy Chief Lorilee Davies said.

The ARO members recently finished five weeks of in-service training and will now spend time with RPS officers assigned to the area.

Vlad Grygoruk is a member of ARO and said he’s looking forward to working with the community.

“If we walk around the downtown just to show we are present here, if that helps reduce crime, this is why we’re here,” Grygoruk said.

The ARO program was one RPS spent multiple years developing.

Extensive planning and research was done, including looking into how larger cities keep their central locations as safe as possible.

As the revitalization of Regina's downtown continues, the City of Regina said the ARO program is be a great way to ensure citizens safety.

“To be able to have a presence downtown to address [crime] as it is happening is crucial for safety and business viability,” Mayor Sandra Masters said.

Coun. Lori Bresciani who is also the chair of the board of police commissioners echoed a similar response. She hopes in the near future peoples’ attitudes and perceptions of Regina's downtown will change.

“I hope that we see more of these constables here because I think it’s going to be a game changer for our city. Proactive policing is truly what it is,” Bresciani said.

ARO will work closely with the Regina Street Team, business owners, local security and community members to meet the area's needs.