The Saskatoon Police Service is reassigning some police officers to launch a summer safety initiative in the downtown business district.

Starting next week, officers from units like school resource and traffic will be redeployed to work with the officers working downtown to "address issues of crime" and the "perception of public safety."

"The Saskatoon Police Service is committed to exploring new, collaborative approaches to ensure anyone living, working or visiting our downtown area feels safe and secure," said Insp. Cam McBride in a news release.

Saskatoon police said that the increased presence will allow officers to interact more with people.

This plan came to fruition because of the Downtown Safety Committee which includes business people, residents, DTNYXE and the police.