“The vast majority of our calls for service are not what you would kind of call, calls you would need a badge and a gun to deal with.”

Weyburn Police Service Deputy Chief Rod Stafford explained for a police officer, the variety of calls they handle range from someone in a crisis situation to a mental health call, to de-escalating a situation so an arrest isn’t needed.

“We obtain lots of training both in the recruit training program and throughout our career,” Stafford elaborated. He pointed out the need for police officers needing a human touch isn’t just something encountered here in Weyburn, but is seen across the country as part of the changing face of policing.

“In Weyburn, as in Saskatoon, as in Toronto, a lot of times there no other social agencies available, especially 24/7, 365,” stated Stafford. “So it falls to the lowest common denominator, which is us, and we do our best to assist these people who are not exactly breaking the law”

“It’s the fine line between serving the public, helping people in crisis out, yet keeping the community safe and enforcing the law.”