Planned legislative changes would allow Manitoba municipalities to establish community safety officer programs to support the work of law enforcement and build positive community relationships.
A number of municipalities have expressed interest in the concept, including Thompson, where the province will begin work with civic officials and the RCMP to make the program a reality.
“We look forward to adding community safety officers in our city, to be a noticeable presence on the streets,” said Thompson Mayor Tim Johnston. “Working with our partners to establish this program will make a real difference for residents and visitors to Thompson through crime prevention and relationship building.”
All community safety officers would be municipal employees. While not involved in criminal matters, they would work with local law enforcement to:
• implement crime prevention strategies and initiatives,
• enforce selected provincial laws,
• connect social service providers with people in need, and
• maintain a visible presence in the community.
“Working with our partners to address the underlying issues giving rise to crime is a key goal of the RCMP,” said Assistant Commissioner Kevin Brosseau, commanding officer of RCMP “D” Division. “Pursuing community safety officer programs across the province will go a long way to achieving this goal and keeping the public safe.”
Consistent with training standards for similar programs across the country, community safety officers would be required to complete both academy and field training with a focus on crime prevention and public safety.
Justice Minister Andrew Swan praised the concept.
“These changes will give municipalities a new resource and another avenue to address public safety concerns by creating a very visible community safety officer program,” he said.
– Compiled from a Government of Manitoba news release
