Cranbrook council will discuss the possibility of a Community Safety Officer (CSO) program as the local RCMP detachment deals with staffing shortages.
“Some of our challenges is that the RCMP is having some staffing challenges that continue while we are now dealing with a broader mandate of homelessness, unhoused people and a lot more loitering and other issues,” said Building and Bylaw Service Manager Paul Heywood.
City staff say community safety officers typically provide municipal supports to the community and vulnerable citizens on issues including public disorder, homelessness, addictions and mental health challenges.
Some of the benefits could include diverting non-criminal incidents away from police and help reduce costs as CSOs cost less than an RCMP constable.
However, one of the main drawbacks is that CSOs are not designated peace officers and would require the presence of an RCMP officer in most situations.
“Can we distance ourselves as peace officers or CSOs from the necessity of RCMP officers on site when we’re dealing with homeless folks and the taking down of their tents? Basically what we’ve surmised is we probably can’t,” said Heywood.
While it may not be an immediate fix to offset the RCMP’s staffing woes, Councillor Wes Graham believes the city should explore the program further.
“I think this is something that’s worth flagging and coming back with budget discussions,” he said.
“I’m not seeing that it can’t work here.
A recent budget survey found 40 per cent of residents believe homelessness, crime and safety is the most important issue facing the city.
“With that survey it solidified what I had heard in that safety and security is the top priority. I think we need to look at all options,” Graham said.
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