New program could lessen RCMP’s responsibilities

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 09/11/2015 (3083 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The MLA of Steinbach is pushing for the expansion of a new justice program that would free up resources so police could spend more time on investigating crime and preventative policing.

Kelvin Goertzen, who serves as the Progressive Conservative justice critic, expressed at justice committee last week he would like to see the community safety officer (CSO) program introduced in Thompson to be expanded to other communities such as, he noted, Steinbach and the RM of Hanover if they desire.

Similar to the cadets collaborating with the Winnipeg Police Service, CSOs would not be RCMP officers but would handle some current policing duties, like enforcing bylaw issues and some provincial laws a result of the Liquor and Gaming Control Act, the Intoxicated Persons Detention Act and the Highway Traffic Act. CSOs would also connect social service providers with people in need and maintain a visible presence in the community.

The program is being run in Thompson as a pilot offering.

“We know that with growing communities comes many positive things but it also brings challenges,” said Goertzen. “One of those can be increased illegal drugs, for example, and police need the time to investigate those issues. Having options like community safety officers can be beneficial financially while allowing police officers to focus on preventing crime and not just reacting to it.”

Minister of Justice Gord Mackintosh said at the meeting he would sit down with municipalities, including Steinbach, to discuss the expansion of the program to jurisdictions who want it.

The Steinbach MLA shared a concern at committee of RCMP officers sometimes waiting hours with a patient taken into care under the Mental Health Act before they can be discharged to medical professionals or a proper facility.

Mackintosh acknowledged CSOs could be used in situations such as this to lessen the responsibilities of RCMP members, said Goertzen.