Image Credit: CFJC Today

By James Peters

Bylaw Officers

City of Kamloops Bylaw Services Department gets new name, social services mandate

Sep 10, 2020 | 2:39 PM

KAMLOOPS — The City of Kamloops says last year’s Citizen Satisfaction Survey identified the Bylaw Services Department as a priority for improvements — and that has resulted in a change of direction.

According to a news release, the Bylaw Services Department will be renamed the Community Services Division.

Officers will be trained to investigate and respond to “a wider variety of community service calls.” The officers will continue to respond to animal control, property and parking issues, but will now be tasked with offering more social supports.

Community and Protective Services Director Byron McCorkell says officers have been given more responsibilities by governments during the COVID-19 pandemic and that has brought forward the need for more training.

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“This elevation from Bylaw Officer to Community Services Officer will result in officers better equipped in dealing with social issues, officers will be trained with advanced skills to investigate a variety of files, and their ability to offer solutions for files they investigate,” said McCorkell in the release.

In addition to the new name and mandate, the division has a new mission statement: “Providing a safe and secure community by developing relationships, resolving situations, and being accountable through an honest, professional, and compassionate approach.”