The first group of community service officers with peace officer status were sworn in on Tuesday.
The officers took their oath office during a private ceremony held at city hall on Tuesday.
In a statement, the city said the swearing in ceremony follows council’s adoption of a bylaw last July that not only reaffirmed existing authorities of CSO and Bylaw officers but also extended certain powers to them.
That includes the ability to serve summons, execute search warrants and seize property in relation to bylaw offences.
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“Confirming peace officer status for our Community Services Officers is a major step forward for our city,” said Byron McCorkell, the city’s chief administrative officer.
“It not only enhances the tools and protections available to our officers, but it also strengthens our ability to uphold municipal bylaws and keep our community safe.”
The city explains that peace officers are different from police officers.
Peace officers will remain focused on enforcing the city’s bylaws and are not licenced to carry weapons.
However, their designation gives them rights and protections, including recognition under the Criminal Code for assault or obstruction of a peace officer, the city explained.
The full list of authorities the new cohort have include:
issuing bylaw notices
laying and serving municipal ticket informations
laying informations and serving summons under the Offence Act
executing search warrants in relation to bylaw offences
entering on or into property
requesting identification for the purpose of investigating or enforcing bylaws
seizing, possessing, or transporting personal property and animals, where authorized by bylaw, statute, or court order
exercising all other powers, duties, and authorities granted by bylaw
