The City of Kamloops and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District will share a new Community Services Officer (CSO) position at the North Kamloops Library.
It will replace the current private security at the facility at 696 Tranquille Road for one year, at which point it will be assessed. The agreement will be funded by the TNRD and a Strengthening Communities Grant received by the city.
The city says as part of the new Community Services model, its CSOs get advanced training in working with vulnerable populations. They also can provide outreach services to assist staff and patrons at the library, while also connecting people who are seeking shelter to service providers that are better-suited to their needs.
“We’re very pleased to have come to this agreement with the city,” TNRD CAO Scott Hildebrand said in a release. “This agreement will help continue foster a safe environment for users of our North Kamloops Library, which is an integral facility in our region-wide library system.”
David Trawin, the City’s CAO said the agreement “highlights our shared commitment to a safe and inclusive community for all residents living or accessing services in Kamloops.”
“We recognize the need to work together to develop new solutions to address common concerns,” he said.
In a statement, the City says the CSO will offer the TNRD the following services over the course of the year:
- providing enforcement and security both inside and outside of the TNRD’s North Kamloops Library facility
- educating the public about regulatory rules and investigate complaints
- mediating between members of the public to leverage voluntary compliance
- ensuring the security and welfare of the public, controlling minor disturbances, and maintaining various records
- providing regular reporting to TNRD staff and the Community Services Supervisor
