By Adam Berls

city council

Report highlights that defensive tools used by bylaw enforcement officers are a ‘positive step’

Sep 26, 2024 | 6:00 AM

PRINCE GEORGE — One year after pepper spray and batons were issued to bylaw enforcement officers, a report to council says that officers feel more confident and better prepared to handle their daily duties.

Back in July 2023, council received an information report in relation to Bylaw Enforcement Officers being issued defensive tools. These tools “included a defensive baton, OC (pepper) spray and a set of handcuffs.” Until that time, the only piece of protective equipment issued to bylaw enforcement officers, was a protective vest.

Since the new tools have been issued, employees throughout the department were asked about the changes. Employees said that “they feel more confident and better prepared to handle their daily duties in a safe manner.” Some employees have gone so far as to say that “they would no longer feel comfortable doing the job without these tools and wished they had received them sooner.”

Some of the many weapons that have been located by bylaw officers in the course of their work. Image Credit: City of Prince George

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According to the report, “there has not been an instance since the tools were introduced that the defensive tools have been deployed.”

Based on the results from, the report, “the next step is to standardize in policy the current training and equipment as standard and required for officers working for the City of Prince George.”

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X: @AdamBerls

Email: Adam.Berls@pattisonmedia.com