In the first two years since City of Prince George bylaw officers were equipped with defensive tools like batons, pepper spray and handcuffs, they have only been used once according to a new report presented at the Wednesday, Sept. 3 city council meeting.
Council first heard about bylaw officers being given the tools in July 2023, when it was told that officers had previously only been outfitted with protective vests.
Councillors voted to have administration report back on how the rollout of the gear had gone after a year had gone by. In the first report delivered in August 2024, the tools had not been used but city staff noted that bylaw services staff felt safer going about their duties.
The new report presented on Sept. 3, which was written by director of administrative services Eric Depenau, said that there was one occasion in the last year where the defensive tools had been used.
In that instance, handcuffs were used to detain someone who allegedly assaulted a bylaw officer until RCMP arrived to take custody of the suspect.
“Providing defensive tools to bylaw officers, animal control officers, and parking control officers is considered a positive measure to enhance their workplace safety,” the report concluded. “Officers undergo refresher training on a two-year cycle to stay current on this skill set including protective force options and use of force theory.”
Discussing the report, Coun. Brian Skakun said that bylaw officers needing to carry defensive tools is a “sign of the times” and it’s necessary not just in Prince George but elsewhere as well.
Skakun noted that the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George recently discussed rolling out similar tools to its bylaw officers
He asked whether bylaw officers are rotated between on-street work and office work so they’re not always having to deal with intense situations.
Depenau said bylaw officers work four days and then have four days off, with some officers dedicated specifically to downtown issues rather than more traditional issues like nuisance abatement.
“So there is opportunity to get some reprieve through the variety of what comes up and we also look to follow up whenever critical incidents occur if there’s an occasion where somebody is supported with Naloxone or comes across somebody who is deceased or assists in a particularly challenging call, we look for opportunities to work with them after to make sure they’re getting the support they need,” Depenau said.
Coun. Cori Ramsay asked whether the use of defensive tools would still be tracked even if council no longer asked for yearly reports. Depenau said incidents and near-misses are tracked every day like what is done for health and safety programs separate to the reporting for council.
Ramsay said she didn’t think the matter needed to come to council again going forward unless there was a specific incident warranting discussion.
Coun. Trudy Klassen said she was in favour of continuing the yearly reports because she thought the accountability was important. She said she would vote against a motion that did not include a provision that the yearly reports continue going forward.
Coun. Susan Scott said she was glad that bylaw officers have been able to maintain their rapport with the public while being outfitted with the defensive tools
Council voted to receive the report for information, with only Klassen voting against.
