New Kamloops Community Services officers taking 'education first' approach with bylaw infractions | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
Subscribe

Would you like to subscribe to our newsletter?

Kamloops News

New Kamloops Community Services officers taking 'education first' approach with bylaw infractions

FILE PHOTO
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/City of Kamloops

The City of Kamloops says it's moving towards an "education first" approach to serious bylaw infractions, as it introduces its new Community Services Division.

Formerly known as Bylaw Services, officials at City Hall say the change to Community Services Officers is a shift in how they interact with residents.

"If we get a call about an unsightly camp, for example, it's not good enough to just move someone along or write a ticket. It's about finding a solution and connect that person with resources that can help them," says Tammy Blundell, Community Services Manager.

CSO's will be expected to deal with a range of matters, from social issues to nuisance properties to pest control.  However, enforcement remains part of the job.

"We will do our best to come to solutions and understandings and not rely solely on enforcement," says Brian McCorkell, Community and Protect Services Director. "This doesn't mean that tickets will no longer be handed out for parking or other bylaw infractions. Our officers will still distribute tickets when required."

But Blundell also presses home the point that community service officers are, "not just about parking tickets and barking dogs anymore. We're about helping the community deal with the impacts of some of the social issues we're facing."


To contact a reporter for this story, email Darren Rathwell or call 250-819-6089 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. 

News from © iNFOnews, 2021
iNFOnews

  • Popular vernon News
View Site in: Desktop | Mobile