Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
Peace River Town Council received an update on its three-month public safety services pilot project at its regular meeting Aug. 26.
The town hired APEX Security to provide public safety services including increased patrols, surveillance, and assistance for business and residents dealing with public disturbances.
This decision was made after extensive consultation with residents and business owners impacted by an influx of crime, loitering, and other public disturbances.
“Council wanted regular monthly updates, and this is the first update we have received and we will be receiving a more detailed report shortly,” explains Mayor Elaine Manzer.
“We have had comments that individuals feel more safe in the downtown area. APEX has also been locating encampments, monitoring the sites after tear downs.”
The project will cost the town $240,000 and will provide 24/7 monitoring to the community.
The officer assigned provides security and enforcement in areas of town that have been identified as needing enhanced visibility and more frequent patrols.
“APEX is a visible uniformed presence 24 hours a day 7 days a week,” she says.
“Interactions with APEX has helped to lessen some of the nuisance and other behaviors the downtown area was experiencing.”
Analysis of the daily reports has identified interactions between members of the public safety unit (PSU) and a couple of individuals known to cause anxiety in the downtown area because of erratic and wild behaviour.
Manzer explains with disturbance calls logged providing quantifiable evidence, administration will be seeking higher government solutions for individuals who may benefit from supports or access to recovery communities.
“Please check the Town’s website for a media release WHO DO YOU CALL for information on when to call APEX,” says Manzer, explaining that there has been some confusion as to when to call RCMP and when to call PSU.
“But do call the RCMP to report criminal activity like stolen vehicles, squatters on private property, finding probable stolen property. Call APEX for security incidents and social disturbances, enforcement of facility rules and generally providing a presence to deter unwanted activity.”
She adds to contact Town Bylaw for town bylaw issues like unsightly properties.
“Council will be analyzing the results of the Pilot project at the end of the three months and could be discussing this as one of our budget Service Level discussions,” she notes.
For additional information on the program, please visit www.peaceriver.ca.