Whereas crime prevention and community safety are essential to the well-being of all residents, and urban centers have dedicated crime prevention resources, including specialized officers; And whereas rural communities in British Columbia face unique challenges related to limited law enforcement resources and the absence of specialized crime prevention officers; And whereas the establishment of regional crime prevention officer positions would enhance community safety, improve coordination of crime prevention efforts, and support local law enforcement in rural areas: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM advocate to the provincial government for the funding and creation of regional crime prevention officer positions in rural British Columbia to enhance community safety, improve coordination of crime prevention efforts, and support local law enforcement in addressing crime in rural areas.
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General The Province shares the concerns regarding crime in rural communities and acknowledges the frustrations from community members regarding the timeliness of law enforcement, particularly in rural areas. Mental health, substance use, and social disorder challenges have intensified community safety concerns in BC and across the country, and this has put additional pressure on police, who are often the first responders to an expanding array of social issues. However, these modern public safety challenges should not be viewed strictly as a policing concern. Through public consultations, including feedback received as part of the Policing and Public Safety Modernization initiative, the Province has heard a wide range of ideas for how we might continue to improve policing and public safety and address community safety in rural communities. In 2024, government established a framework for creating classes of safety officers that are classified as peace officers under the Police Act and could work alongside police and other essential social service providers to fill a critical gap and help address our most complex social challenges more holistically. Ministry staff are doing further analysis to establish through regulation these new safety officer roles and will continue to engage with partners, including local governments and First Nations, to address the public safety challenges British Columbians are facing. We remain committed to making changes to policing and public safety policy that will make a noticeable difference for British Columbians.