Sicamous’ bylaw officer will be changing up their uniform to one that is uniform with bylaw services elsewhere in B.C.
At the Feb. 14 district Committee of the Whole meeting, bylaw officer John Moore shared a report to council explaining the Licence Inspectors’ and Bylaw Officer Association (LIBOA) is trying to implement the same uniform for all bylaw officers within the province to “make it a more recognizable position.”
“So whatever municipality you go to,” he added. “If you see that style uniform, you know we’re a bylaw officer rather than just someone wearing a vest.”
The real need for standardization was highlighted in Grand Forks last October when a bylaw officer was attacked in a park and his vehicle severely damaged, though he escaped uninjured.
“He was wearing a vest but he didnl’t have a recognizable uniform,” Moore explained. “And the risk assessment that was done after the fact pointed that out as a big red flag of something that needs to be changed.”
Chief administrative officer Kelly Bennett noted this has already been included in the budget, and the report was just for information. Regardless, council agreed the initiative makes sense and should be implemented locally.
“We need to keep you guys as safe as possible… ” Coun. Siobhan Rich said. “Whatever we can do to keep you safe, I’m absolutely for this.”
For the basic full uniform, the LIBAO suggests a long or short sleeved uniform shirt, dark pants or shorts with an option red stripe down the side, black patrol boots or shoes, black belt or duty belt, uniform cap with departmental badge and an issued fleece jacket.
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that really highlighted the need. A bylaw officer in a community similar in size to Sicamous
