Town to look into community peace officer program

By Rob Vogt
Claresholm town council has directed administration to investigate the potential to create a community peace officer program in Claresholm and to report back to council at a future meeting.
At its June 24 meeting, council was advised by Chief Administrative Officer Abe Tinney there have been concerns in the community about traffic including speed on the highway and speed at intersections, and the topic has been raised at “Coffee with council” sessions as well.
He looked at what a community peace officer program would look like.
The Town of Claresholm had one previously, but Tinney learned one challenge was the difficulty in retaining community peace officers, so the town let the program go.
He added it has been a few years since the town has had a community peace officer.
Tinney also observed community peace officers would be able to deal with traffic concerns residents have raised as well as ongoing concerns, especially because they can enforce the Traffic Safety Act. They could also increase the enforcement presence in school zones.
“There’s a lot of benefits to the program,” Tinney said.
He concluded by advising council administration was looking for direction from council on whether to pursue a community peace officer program.
“I think it’s worth the due diligence,” said Coun. Kieth Carlson, adding that includes what the cost would be for the public.
He also suggested a community peace officer be separate from a bylaw enforcement officer because combining the two can create frustration in performing both duties.
Mayor Brad Schlossberger said he and Tinney met with the RCMP sergeant about traffic concerns.
“This was his suggestion,” Schlossberger said.
“The more information we can have to present to the people,” said Coun. Kandice Meister. “I think there is an appetite in the community for this.
“Information never hurts.”
Coun. Diana Ross asked if the community peace officer would work days or nights.
Schlossberger said both, but that would be determined by administration.
Tinney said actually that would be determined by council.
“That’s always open for council’s direction,” he emphasized.
Council then directed administration to investigate the potential of creating a community peace officer program in Claresholm and to report back to council at a future meeting.