LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

"The CSO program has been praised by incumbent Kamloops RCMP Superintendent Jeff Pelley as well as his predecessor Superintendent, Syd Lecky, prior to his departure in late 2022."

"The Criminal Code of Canada defines a peace officer as “…a police officer, police constable, bailiff, constable, or other person employed for the preservation and maintenance of the public peace or for the service or execution of civil process”.

Peace officers are different from police officers. Confirming peace officer status for Bylaw Enforcement Officers is significant because it affords certain rights, protections, and enforcement tools for Bylaw Enforcement Officers while acting within the scope of their duties and enforcing City bylaws.

These benefits include protection under the Criminal Code for assault of a peace officer and obstruction of a peace officer in performing their duties. Peace officer status also clarifies to the public the role of Bylaw Enforcement Officers and their lawful authority to investigate and enforce bylaw matters."

“In the event we had to protect ourselves we would,” Beatty added. “It could be a baton, OC spray, or handcuffs. In the province of B.C. I have yet to see an enforcement agency in municipal bylaws carry anything that is considered lethal force.”

cfjctoday.com

KAMLOOPS - The first cohort of Community Services Officers with peace officer status in Kamloops will be sworn...