Quality of service from Regina police up six per cent since 2021: Report

The Community Perceptions of the Regina Police Service report shows that 78 per cent of the service received from Regina police was rated very good by the public. That’s gone up by six per cent since 2021.

The Board of Police Commissioners tabled the report at Regina Police Service headquarters on Monday.

Chief Farooq Sheikh said he was feeling reassured seeing his staff’s performance drew a positive reaction from the community.

Of the 454 Regina residents who participated in the survey, 71.8 per cent identified as Caucasian, 18.2 per cent identified as a visible minority and 9.5 per cent identified as Indigenous. According to the report, visible-minority participants had more positive perceptions of the Regina Police Service than Indigenous and Caucasian groups.

Visible minority participation in the survey has increased by 7.4 per cent since 2021.

“I think its reassuring as a city that when newcomers are coming here – from across the world or across Canada – that they are feeling that they have the trust and confidence of the police,” Sheikh said.

Sheikh said the many community events police officers attend have also been really positive. And, he noted, there are many officers from different races and religions wearing the badge.

“We’ve got a lot of diversity within the police service, which helps increase trust and confidence,” he said.

Indigenous people had the poorest perceptions of the police, overall.

The top three areas where participants thought police could improve were police visibility, a focus on high-crime areas, and a greater focus on alcohol and drugs.

Sheikh said high visibility is a huge priority for the police service, because when the community supports the police it makes their job easier.

“They’re our eyes and ears, and we are working together,” Sheikh said. “I think that would also increase public perception.”

In the fall, the Regina Police Service will deploy six special constables – known as Alternate Response Officers – who will work in conjunction with police officers delivering public safety information when an armed officer isn’t required. The goal is to help free up regular officers to respond to more calls for service.

Sheikh said drugs continue to be a big problem, not just in Regina but across the nation.

Deputy Chief Lorilee Davies said Regina police officers do not arrest, charge, or criminalize people for simple drug possessions.

“There is a recognition this is a health issue,” said Davies.

Davies said the drug unit is looking for high-level suppliers who are coming to the city.

“We want to send a strong message that if you are doing that in our city, you will be held accountable,” Davies said.