2 Saskatoon police officers heading to England to study transit policing

Two Saskatoon police officers will travel to London to observe how the city polices one of the world’s busiest public transit systems. Laura Woodward reports.

The Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) is going overseas to research transit safety.

Two Saskatoon police officers will travel to London to observe how the city polices one of the world’s busiest public transit systems.

The trip comes as SPS works toward launching a dedicated Transit Safety Unit, following a rise in violent incidents on buses.

Police Chief Cameron McBride said London offers a model Saskatoon can learn from.

“Some people wonder, ‘Well, can’t you just go to Toronto? Can’t you just go to Montreal or Vancouver?’” McBride said.

“The citizens of Saskatoon deserve the best model, and the best transit policing program that we can provide.”

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A police spokesperson said the service will not disclose the total cost of the trip and training.

McBride said travelling to London costs about 10 per cent more than sending officers to Toronto for a week.

“The cost differential from going to London, to going to Montreal, say, is almost negligible,” he said.

“So why would we not set us up for the best opportunity of success?”

The Transit Safety Unit is expected to roll out in 2027 with eight officers and one supervisor.

McBride said the unit will go beyond placing officers on buses, focusing on chronic problem riders and high-crime bus stops.

SPS has budgeted $600,000 for transit safety in 2026, rising to $1 million in 2027.

The officers are expected to leave to London in the next few weeks.