The Community Safety Officer (CSO) program continues to prove its effectiveness in bolstering public safety in Humboldt and its surrounding contracted communities, Lanigan and Watson, according to Audrey Dore, Program Manager of Policy and Governance with the Provincial Protective Services branch of the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety.
During a presentation to Humboldt City Council at its regular monthly meeting, Dore highlighted the success of the CSO initiative, commending the professionalism, visibility, and dedication demonstrated by local officers. She praised the city’s investment in the program and its broader influence beyond municipal boundaries.
“It’s very evident there is significant pride in this community,” Dore began, referencing the clean streets and visible presence of CSO patrol vehicles. “That in itself speaks very highly of the commitment you all have to the safety of your community.”
The CSO program, launched in 2015 and implemented in Humboldt in 2022, was created to fill critical gaps in policing services, particularly in rural and under-resourced areas, by providing high-priority, low-risk enforcement and community engagement services. Developed in collaboration with provincial stakeholders including RCMP, SARM, SUMA, and the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police, the program now operates in 28 communities across the province, with 35 more at various stages of development.
“Many public safety concerns don’t require a police officer,” Dore explained. “Bylaw enforcement, traffic control, visibility at community events - those are all vital services that CSOs can effectively manage, which allows RCMP to focus on higher-risk criminal enforcement.”
Dore pointed to specific success metrics from Humboldt's own CSO, Justin Tarrant, who has handled 311 bylaw-related calls and conducted 185 traffic stops so far in 2024. Of those, 76 resulted in formal tickets under the Traffic Safety Act. In addition, Tarrant has assisted local RCMP on 18 occasions and served legal documents, demonstrating the program’s collaborative role in regional law enforcement.
She also underscored the broader regional benefits.
“Humboldt’s decision to contract CSO services to Lanigan and Watson is a testament to the strength of the program. Other communities are taking notice and asking, ‘How can we implement something similar?’ That’s a reflection of the professionalism of your officers and the success of your model.”
Dore emphasized that CSOs are not police officers but are specially appointed under the Police Act to enforce a range of provincial legislation, including the Alcohol and Gaming Regulations Act, Cannabis Control Act, Traffic Safety Act, and more. They can also respond to non-injury motor vehicle collisions, assist with search and rescue, perform wellness checks, and provide educational outreach in schools.
“A strong CSO program reduces calls for police, improves response times, and increases community engagement,” she said. “More importantly, it gives the public confidence that their safety is being actively looked after.”
She encouraged city officials to revisit their public safety and wellness plans regularly to ensure they continue to meet community needs.
“The needs of a community can shift. Revisiting your safety goals annually or biannually is a best practice we recommend.”
Dore concluded her presentation by highlighting the economic return of the program. Seventy-five percent of ticket fine revenues return to the municipality, helping offset costs while investing in safer communities. “It’s not just about enforcement - it’s about ownership of public safety, about empowering communities to take care of their own.”
The presentation ended with a resounding message: Humboldt’s CSO program is not only meeting its goals; it’s setting a provincial standard.