Community Safety Officer Program Announced

For Immediate Release December 1, 2014

Community Safety Officer Program Announced

The Government of Saskatchewan announced the Community Safety Officer Program (CSOP) today which municipalities across the Province will be able to access.

“Rural Municipalities (RM) have long expressed the need for an alternative enforcement option that would allow them to enforce both municipal bylaws and certain provincial statutes,” said Acting President, Ray Orb. The CSOP will give municipalities another tool to meet low risk yet high priority policing needs.

“We believe that the CSOP is a feasible alternative enforcement option for RMs; especially for those in high-growth areas. A local Community Safety Officer (CSO) will empower RMs to address traffic safety issues which will help us make Saskatchewan an even safer place to live and do business,” said Orb.

The Ministry of Justice may grant a CSO appointment upon submission of an acceptable business case by a municipality or group of municipalities. CSO’s can be given the authority to perform enforcement duties in relation to a number of pieces of legislation and regulations including but not limited to The Traffic Safety ActThe Litter Control ActThe Snowmobile Act and The Alcohol and Gaming Regulation Act.

“We would like to thank everyone involved in the development of this program and look forward to continuing our work in this area to ensure that the CSOP meets the needs of our Members,” concluded Acting President Orb.

For more information contact:

Jay Meyer

Executive Director

(306) 761-3721