Private security hired by city

Steinbach administration acted fast after being directed by city council at a June 17 meeting to investigate the possibility of using excess budgeted funds for RCMP positions that remain unfilled, to hire private security to fill the gap.

Adam Thiessen, Steinbach’s corporate services manager, told council at Tuesday’s meeting security had indeed been hired, beginning July 2.

Tasked with assessing the best price and services, administration obtained three quotes from service providers.

“Steinbach Security Services was identified as offering the best overall value in terms of pricing and the scope of services provided,” he wrote in a July 8 memo. “They have agreed to deliver services on a pilot project basis, operating month-to-month beginning July 2 and continuing through to the end of November.”

The business will patrol from 10 p.m. to 6 p.m. in clearly marked vehicles and will focus on construction sites and residential neighborhoods. As the pilot project proceeds, priority areas will be adjusted based on feedback from RCMP.

Mayor Earl Funk expressed his approval for the use of private security.

“Due to what we were hearing in our community, I think this is a great way to spend unused budget because we don’t have our full complement of RCMP,” he said. “They can be another set of eyes and ears out there for the RCMP and I think they can definitely help in reducing crime.”

Coun. Michael Zwaagstra agreed and expressed support for the company that is doing the work.

“Steinbach Security Services is a known company in the area that already provides services here and already has that working relationship with RCMP,” he said.

The pilot project ends in November and will be reviewed by city council at that time.

The city says residents should still contact 911 if they are witnessing an active crime or suspicious activity.