NORTH BATTLEFORD, Sask. — North Battleford’s community safety officers (CSOs) will operate under revised parameters following a Ministry of Community Safety review earlier this month.
The review, prompted by a complaint, helps ensure that special constables, including the city’s CSOs, maintain consistency across CSO departments throughout Saskatchewan.
The ministry determined that provisions of the city’s Panhandling and Public Behaviours Bylaw No. 2008 [consolidated to bylaw amendment No. 2179] relating to arrest had been interpreted and applied in a manner extending beyond the CSOs’ provincial special constable appointments.
Council approved Bylaw No. 2207 during the Oct. 26 regular council meeting, repealing bylaw amendment No. 2179. The repeal reflects the province’s direction that CSOs may not arrest individuals for public intoxication under the bylaw. CSOs in North Battleford will continue to enforce the Panhandling and Public Behaviours Bylaw No. 2008 [consolidated to Bylaw No. 2207] to uphold safety in the community, while relying on Battlefords RCMP to assist in circumstances involving persons who are intoxicated in public.
“All levels of government are seeking ways to utilize resources and services to their full scope of authority, to create safer communities,” said North Battleford Mayor Kelli Hawtin.
“Respecting the authority of the province, we will continue to explore innovative approaches to manage challenges in our community. We look forward to working alongside the Ministry to ensure our CSO program remains compliant with legislation and delegated authority, while being part of an overall solution for the continuum of policing in our community.”
The repeal of the bylaw amendment took effect Oct. 26.
