A Vernon politician has lashed out at attempts to continue private security patrols downtown. Coun. Jack Gilroy has stepped up his opposition to the city funding the Downtown Vernon Association’s patrols, saying they have no legal authority and are ineffective in addressing criminal activity. “All they are is goodwill ambassadors,” he told The Morning Star. “All they can do is smile and talk, just like a Wal-Mart greeter.” The DVA has been paying for the private patrols, and it recently asked the city for $40,000 to continue the program until Dec. 31. Council tabled the matter so more information can be obtained on what safety measures are in place downtown. But Gilroy is against taxpayers getting involved. “Blowing money on goodwill ambassadors is not my idea of a good thing,” he said.
Gilroy points out that the city has invested $330,000 in expanded bylaw enforcement and those
officers have legal authority and will be trained with batons and other devices. “A uniformed presence is what we need,” he said. Gilroy added that the RCMP are being proactive. “They are going to have bike patrols and the RCMP are going to take the guys out of the cars and put them on the street.” Gilroy also questions why the city would direct money specifically to downtown when there are other business districts experiencing safety issues. “How do the malls feel that they have to pay for security?” he said. “People are asking why their money is being used downtown when it could be used for other things.” The DVA defends the need for private security. 
“I respect Jack and his opinion but since the Commissionaires began patrols, downtown is a more pleasant place to be,” said president Malcom Dunn. “I appreciate the comments about goodwill ambassadors because that’s what we want them to be.” In terms of the concerns about city taxpayers subsidizing downtown’s interests, Dunn disagrees, saying that downtown is a gathering place for the entire community. “We have paid for our own security,” he said. Dunn is interested in the city, RCMP and DVA coming together to determine security resources. But until that happens, he hopes the private patrols continue. “The Commissionaires, so far, have been the best solution for downtown,” he said. “You can bring your family downtown now and walk downtown now.”
“I respect Jack and his opinion but since the Commissionaires began patrols, downtown is a more pleasant place to be,” said president Malcom Dunn. “I appreciate the comments about goodwill ambassadors because that’s what we want them to be.” In terms of the concerns about city taxpayers subsidizing downtown’s interests, Dunn disagrees, saying that downtown is a gathering place for the entire community. “We have paid for our own security,” he said. Dunn is interested in the city, RCMP and DVA coming together to determine security resources. But until that happens, he hopes the private patrols continue. “The Commissionaires, so far, have been the best solution for downtown,” he said. “You can bring your family downtown now and walk downtown now.” --------------------------------------------
Apr 01 2007 EDITORIAL Rhetoric needs to stop
It certainly makes for good headlines but the escalating war of words over downtown Vernon security is getting out of hand. The Downtown Vernon Association and Coun. Jack Gilroy have clearly staked out opposing sides on the issue. The DVA insists that illegal drugs and prostitution are a concern and many merchants, their employees and customers are feeling uncomfortable. Gilroy, though, suggests that the situation isn’t that bad, and the city is doing everything possible to address the perception that crime is out of hand. And differing views are acceptable, but the almost personal nature of the dispute isn’t benefiting anyone. Last Monday, city council established a process where all agencies — the DVA, bylaw enforcement and the RCMP — would come together at a meeting to determine what resources are available and what is the best long-term solution downtown. This process makes sense as it would allow everyone to place their cards on the table and the community would know once and for all what manpower is needed and if it requires additional assistance from private security guards. And with funding in place for the private patrols until the end of August, that will give the city's expanded bylaw enforcement unit time to become familiar with a role that it more law enforcement than simply writing parking tickets. With the downtown core such a vital part of the community's economic, social and cultural fabric, there is a lot riding on the safety and security issue. It is going to require a team approach and that means the bickering between the DVA and certain councillors must end.
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