File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Aaron Schulze

Security Services

City of Kamloops, TNRD renew security services deal for North Shore library, downtown civic building

Sep 6, 2024 | 10:45 AM

KAMLOOPS — The City of Kamloops and the Thompson Nicola Regional District (TNRD) have signed a five-year service agreement to employ the city’s Community Services Officers (CSO) at the North Kamloops Library and the downtown TNRD Civic Building.

This new agreement to provide security services which spans from Oct. 1, 2024 to Sept. 30, 2029, follows a pilot project that began in September 2022. In a news release issued Friday (Sept. 6) morning, the city states the agreement allows a stronger CSO presence downtown, better planning and investment in security measures.

“Public libraries across North America are dealing with increased pressures being brought on by mental health and addiction challenges,” said Judy Moore, TNRD chief librarian. “The CSO program at the North Kamloops Library is an innovative way to help address complex social issues.”

By being employed by the City of Kamloops and having extra training, CSOs will be able to connect vulnerable individuals with shelter and other social services best suited to offering support.

Since the pilot program with the CSOs and the libraries began, the city says incidents at the North Kamloops Library have decreased by 47 per cent, even as visitor numbers rose by 12 per cent in 2023.

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