Police in Ponoka are in favour of council’s proposed behavioral bylaw.
Commenting on a recent letter to the editor published in Ponoka News with concerns over town council’s proposed bylaw on conduct, Ponoka RCMP Staff Sgt. Cameron Chisholm says the bylaw is another way to deal with offenders.
The bylaw has already had its first reading in the town council’s regular meeting on Feb. 25.
Chisholm says he has received complaints from residents who feel unsafe when people loiter in the streets.
He feels this gives officers a way to respond to those complaints quickly.
“It’s a quality of life issue,” explained Chisholm.
“There are issues that impact the quality of life in this town,” he added.
This bylaw gives officers a more efficient way to deal with offenders on certain issues, explained the staff sergeant. He suggests issuing a ticket may be more effective than with the Criminal Code of Canada and has an immediate impact on individuals breaking the rules. “It fills a gap.”
“It’s another tool in the tool belt,” he concluded.