Moncton to appoint by-law officers as special constables

The City of Moncton and the New Brunswick government have announced a community safety officer pilot program that will make municipal by-law enforcement officers special constables under the provincial Police Act.

The program is expected to be operational early next year, the city said in a Nov. 2 news release. Once it is running, residents will reach the officers through the city’s 24-hour dispatch line at 506-853-3333.

Special constables will not replace police officers and will not handle criminal investigations or emergency response, the city said. Their duties will include public safety patrols, responding to encampments, trespass enforcement, public education, conflict resolution and referrals to social service agencies. They will also enforce specified provincial statutes and municipal by-laws.

“We know that Codiac Regional RCMP face increasing demand for service, and police resources are often dispatched to high-risk incidents and criminal investigations,” Public Safety Minister Robert Gauvin said in the release.

Mayor Shawn Crossman said council has pushed for the designation. “Public safety is Council’s number one priority, and this initiative represents a real investment in creating a safer and more secure community for residents, businesses, and visitors alike,” he said.

Officers must have completed a two-year police and corrections foundation program or have previous policing experience. They will also need further training, including the Atlantic Police Academy’s special constable program, use-of-force certification, crisis intervention and powers of arrest and detention.

The city will hire, train and run the program and keep working with Codiac RCMP. New Brunswick’s Department of Justice and Public Safety will provide oversight through regular check-ins and audits, the release said.

The release did not give a budget, the number of officers to be appointed or the length of the pilot.

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