http://www.1075kiss.com/news/headlines/
A private security firm has been hired to patrol problem areas downtown Vernon.
It's the latest move by the Downtown Vernon Association to combat crime concerns in Cenotaph Park, the parkade and alleyways. Executive Director Earl Hansen says the DVA is picking up the costs for the 60 day trial program, but he wouldn't say how much is being spent. He told a news conference, " The 'Security Plus' program will see trained and certified security staff (Commissionaires BC) patrolling downtown during the prime employee commute periods, both morning and evening when staff 
members must travel between parking areas and their workplace." DVA president Malcom Dunn says their members would like to see more police presence in the downtown. "We undertstand that they (police) can't be downtown all of the time and we're just trying to compliment that with more visible presence on our streets." Hansen says it's in response to their members safety concerns."Its certainly not intended to address all of the security needs of our members, but at least its a positive step forward and it will make a difference." When asked if the firm will be confronting and physically dealing with individuals, Hansen would only say the guards do have the 'skills' to deal with people causing problems. When contacted by KISS FM News, RCMP Inspector Clare Hayward was not familiar with all the program's details, but he notes the security guards have no authority to be anything other than be eyes and ears for the police. Hayward also stands by his detachment's enforcement in Cenotaph Park saying officers are 'down there all the time', and he isn't aware of major problems in the parkade. (Pete McIntyre)
A private security firm has been hired to patrol problem areas downtown Vernon.
It's the latest move by the Downtown Vernon Association to combat crime concerns in Cenotaph Park, the parkade and alleyways. Executive Director Earl Hansen says the DVA is picking up the costs for the 60 day trial program, but he wouldn't say how much is being spent. He told a news conference, " The 'Security Plus' program will see trained and certified security staff (Commissionaires BC) patrolling downtown during the prime employee commute periods, both morning and evening when staff 
members must travel between parking areas and their workplace." DVA president Malcom Dunn says their members would like to see more police presence in the downtown. "We undertstand that they (police) can't be downtown all of the time and we're just trying to compliment that with more visible presence on our streets." Hansen says it's in response to their members safety concerns."Its certainly not intended to address all of the security needs of our members, but at least its a positive step forward and it will make a difference." When asked if the firm will be confronting and physically dealing with individuals, Hansen would only say the guards do have the 'skills' to deal with people causing problems. When contacted by KISS FM News, RCMP Inspector Clare Hayward was not familiar with all the program's details, but he notes the security guards have no authority to be anything other than be eyes and ears for the police. Hayward also stands by his detachment's enforcement in Cenotaph Park saying officers are 'down there all the time', and he isn't aware of major problems in the parkade. (Pete McIntyre)
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