Community Safety Officer (CSO)
The RM of Taché has entered into an exchange of services agreement with the Town of Sainte-Anne to implement a Community Safety Officer (CSO) program in the municipality. CSOs are Peace Officers governed by The Police Services Act and have enforcement authority under multiple provincial statues such as The Highway Traffic Act, The Mental Health Act, The Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Control Act and The Trespass Act.
What is a Community Safety Officer?
A Community Safety Officer (CSO) is employed or contracted by a municipality to enhance community safety and support the RCMP by providing an easily identifiable presence in the municipality. The CSO can address low risk (frequent complaint) community concerns, enforce certain provincial statutes and build community relationships by liaising with schools and community groups.
What can a Community Safety Officer do?
A Community Safety Officer (CSO) can support public safety, provide a visible presence, enforce certain provincial statutes and municipal bylaws, and assist the police in defined ways.
These Officers enhance public safety which will help to unburden the RCMP which allow them to focus on serious criminal law enforcement activities.
Is the Community Safety Officer an RM employee?
The Community Safety Officer (CSO) is an employee of the Town of Ste. Anne. Taché has entered into a service agreement with the Town of Ste. Anne to provide the services of a CSO to work in our municipality and the equipment needed to perform their duties. While the RM of Taché is not the employer, the agreement allows the RM of Taché to identify priorities and service needs under the agreement, however the CSO must still operate within the authority, training, and oversight framework established for Community Safety Officers.
How much does the Community Safety Officer Program cost?
A rate of $67.09 per hour will be paid to the Town of Ste. Anne for costs related to salaries and equipment for regular time hours. A cost-of-living increase will be applied at the start of each fiscal year. In the first year, it is anticipated that the program will cost between $104,000 and $165,000, depending on the hours worked.
Am I required to pull over for a Community Safety Officer?
Yes, citizens are required to stop their vehicle when signaled by a CSO as per Section 72(1)(a) of the Highway Traffic Act which states:
72(1) Compliance with the orders of a peace officer
Every person shall
(a) stop his vehicle when required so to do by a signal from a peace officer under subsection (1);
Will the Community Safety Officer hand out tickets?
Yes, the CSO can hand out both provincial tickets within their authority as well as municipal penalties for by-law enforcement infractions.
Who receives the fine revenue from tickets Community Safety Officers write?
Fine revenue from tickets pertaining to provincial statutes, such as the Traffic Safety Act and the Highways and Transportation Act would be remitted to the province for administration and oversight of the court system. However, the municipality may look into revenue sharing to help off-set costs of the Community Safety Officer (CSO) program.
Fine revenue from municipal bylaw enforcement would remain with the RM of Taché.
What training and certification is necessary?
It is mandatory for a Community Safety Officer (CSO) to take the Safety Officer Program through the province of Manitoba (Manitoba Justice). They receive training respecting the following:
- public safety and crime prevention
- victims' services and social services
- enforcement of provincial enactments
- searches and seizures, detentions and arrests
- use of force and officer safety
- note-taking, interview basics and court preparation
- Indigenous awareness and community diversity
- use of the equipment
- crisis response tactics and strategies
- road safety and traffic enforcement
All CSOs must obtain and maintain certifications to carry a defensive baton, aerosol spray and handcuffs.
Who do I call if I have an enforcement issue (i.e. need someone to respond to an issue)?
If you have an emergency or concern related to a provincial statute such as traffic, crime or mental health, you continue to call 911 or the RCMP to respond.
If you have a bylaw enforcement issue, you continue to submit your request for bylaw enforcement using the on-line form at https://www.rmtache.ca/p/by-law-enforcement-request.
I received a ticket, where do I go to pay it?
Provincial tickets issued by a CSO must be paid through Manitoba Justice.
Municipal penalties issued by a CSO can be paid to the RM of Taché at 28007 Mun 52N, Dufresne, MB.