More police wanted

Photo: Contributed

While the furor over panhandlers in the downtown core seems to have died down, some civic officials agree there is a need for more police in the city centre.

Panhandling has been a hot topic for the past few weeks after a local food vendor claimed he was harassed by a street person.

Coun. Scott Anderson raised the issue in council chambers earlier this month and extra police and bylaw foot patrols have since been conducted in the downtown area.

Staff Sgt. Kara Triance told council Monday foot patrols create a higher police visibility in the downtown as well as gathering better information on high-risk offenders and those with mental health issues.

That information is then shared with other officers.

By walking a beat, police get to know the people in the downtown better.

“I think we have a great downtown. We have safe downtown. I frequent the downtown with my family and I am committed to police that area and keep it safe,” said Triance.

Triance also told council there are currently two vacant spots in the RCMP downtown enforcement unit.

Anderson said he is pleased with the increased patrols and would readily support hiring two more officers.

“That I find to be a priority,” said Anderson, adding “downtown is not unsafe,” but more police would enhance the area for everyone.

It would cost the city roughly $165,000 per year, per officer.

Last week, Mayor Akbal Mund said he felt the panhandler concerns had been blown out of proportion.

“The downtown is a safe place to be,” said Mund.

However, the mayor said he would support the hiring of two more constables.

Mund also encouraged people and merchants to let police, bylaw and the city know of any concerns they may have or problems they have encountered.