Coun. Pat Lorje calls for expansion of bike patrols in Pleasant Hill
by MORGAN MODJESKI, SASKATOON STARPHOENIX, January 13, 2016
Photo: A group of about 20 bike police make their way in a formation down 115th Street East in Forest Grove in this Saskatoon StarPhoenix file photo. GREG PENDER / SASKATOON STARPHOENIX
A Saskatoon councillor wants to see more bike patrols in the city’s Pleasant Hill neighbourhood, saying a stronger presence would deter crime and help strengthen relationships between the community and the Saskatoon police.
Ward 2 Coun. Pat Lorje brought the concerns forward at a Board of Police Commissioners meeting on Monday, after they were raised at a special community safety meeting held by the Pleasant Hill Community Association in the fall.
“This is a direct request from the community for a greater, visible police presence in their neighbourhood,” she said of the request, noting more patrols would give residents, “some comfort and (assurance) that their concerns about crime are being dealt with.”
Lorje said her constituents also want a “more approachable,” police service, where residents can freely interact with officers.
“That’s not possible when they’re in their cars,” she said.
Police chief Clive Weighill said at the meeting that there are no plans to expand the number of officers in the bike patrol program. It currently consists of 16 patrol officers and two sergeants. Weighill noted if officers “aren’t on their bikes, they’re on the beat.”
Lorje said she was “very disappointed,” when her inquiry was met with what she said was a “categorical rejection.”
But on Tuesday, Weighill said that while assigning more officers is off the table, reviewing bike patrol boundaries is something he would be open to doing in the spring.
“It’s a matter of resources,” he said.
Lorje did commend the SPS for the work officers are doing in the community on a regular basis.
“It’s really great to see their presence, particularly serving at community dinners and various things that are done either on a volunteer or an assigned basis,” she said.