SASKATOON — The Saskatoon Police Service reported that the declining trend in the crime severity index represents a significant gain in their efforts to curb criminal activities in the city.
Statistics Canada released its CSI data on Tuesday, July 22, with Saskatoon dropping 117.49 for 2024, representing an almost 14 per cent decrease after a steady rise during the COVID-19 pandemic years.
The city’s CSI results in the previous years were at 120.79 in 2020, 121.22 in 2021, and 129.55 in 2022. The province also reduced its CSI from 162.17 in 2023 to 154.85 in the previous year.
SPS Chief Cam McBride said that while crime trends are influenced by a range of social and economic factors, they are encouraged to see a continued decline of 8.89 per cent from 2023.
“We’re seeing the results of targeted enforcement, investment in community-led initiatives, and strong collaboration with partners,” said McBride.
“A nearly nine per cent drop in our CSI and improved clearance rates show that our members are making a real difference. We know there’s more to do, but this is meaningful progress.”
He also noted that property crime decreased by nearly 15 per cent, while violent crime increased marginally by 2.74 per cent.
In addition, the SPS’s clearance rate — the percentage of cases successfully concluded — rose by 5.34 per cent.
