County ponders need for second peace officer

Beaver County must decide what level of service it will provide for municipal enforcement. The committee of the whole was asked for direction on such a draft policy which would become the basis for enforcement duties provided by the county.

This is part of the county’s strategic priorities list for this year, explained CAO Bob Beck at the committee’s May 2 meeting.

“Without a level of service statement, it is difficult to direct resources, provide public response and generally assess how the program is doing,” said Beck in his report.

The county’s current service level includes a community peace officer to enforce municipal bylaws. The county is also cost-sharing an RCMP enhanced policing position with the Town of Tofield.

“This officer is under the control and supervision of the detachment commander and the county only provides general guidance,” said Beck, on the enhanced policing position’s duties. Sgt. Jim Warren, who oversees the Tofield and Viking detachments, has stated in the past that the officers rotate the enhanced policing position among the various shifts assigned to them rather than have one person fulfill that role all the time.

By Patricia Harcourt
Staff Reporter

For more see the May 15/12 Tofield Mercury