Richmond bylaw officers could be designated as peace officers, although city staff say doing this won't give them any more legal protection.
City council will consider a bylaw change to give them this designation next week.
In a report to city council, the city’s director of bylaws, Mark Corrado, explains there’s legal precedent that allows criminal prosecution of anyone who obstructs a bylaw officer, even without municipally conferred peace officer status.
“The courts have established that properly appointed Bylaw Enforcement Officers acting in the course of their duties may be recognized as ‘Peace Officers,’” the report notes.
However, to “establish greater clarity” of bylaw officers’ status, giving them the designation of peace officer will remove any ambiguity with the public about the potential legal consequences of obstructing a bylaw officer.
In March, city staff was recommending council not make this change, saying bylaw officers could possibly then be under the jurisdiction of the RCMP, something Coun. Kash Heed, who had initiated the discussion, disputed.
The item was sent back to city staff for reconsideration.
This new report maintains that giving bylaw officers “peace officer” status won’t “confer (on them) any additional powers or duties other than those outlined in the Bylaw Enforcement Officer” bylaw.
The item will be dealt with at next week’s general purposes committee meeting.
