New police unit will attempt to address complex needs of Regina’s downtown area [Video]

A new unit within the Regina Police Service (RPS) has been introduced that is meant 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 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 …