Summer brings increased police presence in Regina

With summer just around the corner, Regina Police Service is taking on several initiatives to make sure residents stay safe.

Every Friday and Saturday night from mid-June to mid-September, police presence will be increased on the Dewdney Avenue Bar Strip.

Additional officers will help deter unwanted behaviour that often leads to assaults and property damage.

Members from RPS, Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming, and Regina Fire and Protective Service will also conduct unannounced inspections of establishments that sell alcohol during peak hours. The goal is to focus on over-serving, underage drinking and overcrowding.

Impaired drivers will be targeted through SGI Enforcement Overdrive. The high-volume, high-visibility roadside check-stops are performed year round, but will be increased between June and September.

Police will also be focused on preventing collisions at high volume and high collision rate intersections through the SGI Heading Out program. Officers will work to deter aggressive driving and stunting.

The police’s Crowd Control Team will also be maintaining order at the many large gatherings around Regina this summer.

When school is out for the summer, School Resource Officers will be on bicycles and foot encouraging responsible use of Regina’s parks and facilities. Last summer over 2,000 park checks and 1,500 school checks were conducted.

Police will also perform neighbourhood checks, in areas which show a trend such as increased street robberies or break and enters. The presence of officers sends a message to those involved in crime that police are taking it seriously and reassures residents in the area.