The Comox Valley RCMP is launching an initiative that will increase their presence in the downtown core for summer.
Starting this weekend and running until Labour Day, dedicated foot patrols will be deployed to support safety and increase engagement with residents, businesses and visitors, according to a release from the city.
RCMP say downtown has an increase in activity over the summer, and they say the patrols will focus on building positive relationships with community members, public safety and crime prevention.
Areas of focus will include the following:
- Conducting regular patrols of high-traffic areas, parks, and public spaces
- Engaging with business owners to address security concerns and offer crime prevention strategies
- Providing safety tips and information to residents and visitors
- Responding to public inquiries and providing assistance where needed
Officer in charge Insp. Mike Kurvers adds officers will be able to connect with the community on a more personal level. He says the schedule will be based on their resource availability for when they will be downtown.
“It’s going to be a random shift schedule depending on what our resources are at the detachment,” said Kurvers.
“We work closely with the city to get a collaborative approach to see how we can get this off the ground, give the downtown core a little bit more visibility and attention and make it personal so they can actually talk to the policeman or see the policeman on foot and have a positive interaction with us.”
Courtenay mayor Bob Wells adds they are excited to see the initiative launch before the summer season.
“Downtown Courtenay is one of Vancouver Island’s most vibrant and attractive shopping districts, with lots of people walking around and checking out all of the wonderful shops, restaurants and cultural facilities,” said Wells.
“It makes sense to have officers on foot as well. I look forward to seeing them out and about as we approach the busy summer season.”
