‘I wasn’t aware of it’: Selkirk community safety officer catching residents off guard

Residents in Selkirk are learning about a new officer in town, and say it’s brought confusion to city streets. Joseph Bernqacki explains.

A grey SUV with City of Selkirk markings is creating some confusion amongst residents in the community.

“I’ve never seen the car in Selkirk, but my first thought was if they had attempted to stop me, I probably wouldn’t stop,” said Selkirk resident Doreen Lansky.

“I would be concerned about impersonation of a police officer.”

What looks like an unmarked vehicle parked around the city is actually a community safety officer on the job.

The City of Selkirk brought in the officer last May to help out the RCMP and go on community patrols.

Resident Doreen Lansky said she didn’t know anything about the position until she came across a social media post on Wednesday this week.

“I really am embarrassed to admit that I wasn’t aware of it,” she said.

Duane Nicol, chief administrative officer with the City of Selkirk, says they brought in the CSO position to complement existing Selkirk RCMP detachment members.

The process took more than two years.

“Under the Police Services Act, a CSO is a peace officer, and they’re able to enforce sections of many pieces of provincial legislation, including the Highway Traffic Control Act,” Nicol said.

The province brought in the CSO program a decade ago, and several jurisdictions, including East St. Paul and Portage la Prairie, have them.

Nicol said residents will have another officer watching their speed and keeping eyes out for crime in the city.

“This is yet another tool that we could add to our toolbox to keep and maintain safety and security in our community,” Nicol said.

Selkirk RCMP detachment lead inspector Chris Lambert said the detachment is 100 per cent on board with what they consider a supplemental resource for their staff.

He said they have received positive and curious feedback from the public over the role and there is a learning curve for people to understand.

“It’s a new element from the law enforcement landscape, and members of the public are probably taking some time to understand and recognize the fact that the CSO for the City of Selkirk is in fact a peace officer,” Lambert said.

Lansky said the CSO may not be on her radar because she follows the law, maybe too well.

“I have never seen the vehicle, but then, I’m not speeding, I’m one of the people that people are annoyed with because I go too slow,” Lansky said as she laughed.