By Curtis Galbraith

City Hall

City pilot project to increase patrols in areas with issues related to the homeless

Dec 14, 2021 | 6:00 AM

City council has voted to put another $500,000 into an idea to have more patrols in areas frequented by the homeless.

The Public Security Pilot Project would see a group of 10 people, four Enforcement Services officers and six contracted security people, available for these patrols 24/7.

City Protective and Social Services director Chris Manuel says they would look after things like crime prevention and social issues, things they would be trained to deal with.

“The existing officers certainly already do (have training). Anybody brought on board is certainly going to have a variety of training in de-escalation, use of force, mental health, addictions, those sorts of things.”

City council heard a presentation at Monday’s meeting from the owner of a building downtown who talked about problems like panhandling, garbage, and needles.

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

Manuel adds this is another resource to help deal with those concerns.

“Because it’s going to be a smaller unit consistently dealing with a small number of individuals that frequently cause concern. It will allow for a more consistent and appropriate response.”

He adds this would be part of what he calls “a system of care.”

“The public security unit itself is part of a broader spectrum of supports that can be put in place for the community and for individuals that are involved in some of the concerns that we have.”

“One of the things to note is that although it’s believed a lot of the folks are homeless, some of the experience we have shows they may not actually be just because somebody may appear to be panhandling as a result of homelessness. Quite often, they’re not actually homeless. (They) may be participating for other reasons. “

Manuel says this unit would work closely with the RCMP. He adds this would not be to move someone from one place to another, leaving problems for someone else to deal with.

“It really is about working with the individuals, the other agencies and departments that are involved to find long-term solutions.”

The project is expected to start in January and would be re-evaluated in the third quarter of next year in time for budget talks.

The $500,000 is coming from the Future Expenditures reserve. Another $450,000 for this idea has been re-allocated from other areas.