On Tuesday, October 15, 2024 the city’s first Alternative Response Officers (AROs) reported for duty following five weeks of in-service training. These seven Special Constables will spend their first few weeks on the street working alongside police officers who are currently assigned to the downtown area, as this will be the primary location for the ARO’s.
The goal of the program is to assist in creating a safer and more welcoming city, in particular, in the downtown core. Business owners, patrons and other community members can expect to see the Special Constables throughout the day on two overlapping 10-hour shifts. Once their field training is complete in January, two ARO’s will be assigned to each shift providing coverage from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. This will complement the work of armed police officers already assigned to the area.
The ARO Special Constables will deliver public safety programming in instances where an armed police officer isn’t required. The unit will also increase the availability of police officers to respond to calls for service. Alternate Response Office duties can include:
Direct service delivery – walking the downtown area, enforcing bylaw and provincial legislation, liaising with community partners, and ceremonial duties.
Enforcement Support – assisting with traffic-related events and escorts, transporting arrested persons, and assisting in detention.
Investigative Support – taking complaints from the public, writing reports, retrieving evidence and guarding scenes.
“The ARO program is an opportunity for increased visibility and proactive policing, both of which have proven to reduce crime and social disorder,” explains Chief of Police, Farooq Sheikh. “Our goal as a police service is to work together with community partners to keep our city safe and this is one more example of us doing exactly that”.
ARO’s will work closely with partners like the Regina Street Team, business owners, security officers and community members to understand, and respond to, the ever-changing needs of the community
“Regina Downtown is excited about this much-needed program,” says Anna Gardikiotis, Chair of the Regina Downtown Business Improvement Board and business owner, “To keep our downtown vibrant, collaboration with the Regina Police Service is key, and we believe the Alternative Resource Officers will assist in making downtown a safer place to work, live, and play.”
On Thursday, October 17, 2024 RDBID and RPS held a “Meet and Greet” event to launch this collaboration with ARO’s, business owners, and the media in attendance.
For more information on the Alternative Resource Officer Program visit reginapolice.ca/aro