Review sought for officers

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - November 09, 2007

Questions are arising over the role of Vernon’s bylaw enforcement officers.The Vernon Taxpayers Association has asked council to review the activities of the bylaw enforcement division, and that a citizens’ committee also be formed to review it.The association claims that the increased number of bylaw enforcement officers “harasses and intimidates” businesses and residents over minor matters such as for sale signs in vehicle windows and parking tickets in Polson Park.“In the school yard, it’s called bullying,” said Regine Pasquier, who spoke at an association meeting attended by 80 people Tuesday.Of particular concern was the role of a bylaw enforcement officer during a dispute at a peace rally Aug. 6. It was also pointed out that bylaw enforcement officers now carry batons and pepper spray.“They look like police officers. The uniform is intimidating,” said Kay Stamboulieh, an association member.Stamboulieh insists that making downtown an inviting place for people to be will address safety concerns, not expanding the mandate of bylaw officers.“Enforcement alone does not make a neighborhood safe,” she said.Stamboulieh is also concerned that bylaw officers report directly to the RCMP inspector and not an administrator at city hall.“They are community workers paid for by the citizens,” she said.Coun. Juliette Cunningham attended the meeting and she was troubled by the tone of the discussion.“The portrayal wasn't very fair,” she said of bylaw officers.Cunningham insists the department’s mandate was expanded to allow for patrols at beach accesses while addressing safety concerns downtown.“We can’t expect the RCMP to do all of the work,” she said.She also counters claims that bylaw officers only report to the RCMP by saying that they are monitored by city administration and council.But Cunningham doesn’t oppose reviewing bylaw activities.“It’s a work in progress, but if we need to look at its boundaries, we should,” she said.That is also the view of Coun. Barry Beardsell.“Has this whole thing been thought out well enough?” he said.“The public has to have confidence in what council is doing and it’s time to look at it again.”