KAMSACK — In an effort to clear up public confusion, the Town of Kamsack met with the Kamsack Times and SaskToday to outline the duties and authority of the community safety officer (CSO) position, which officials say has been misunderstood by residents.
Sherise Fountain, Kamsack’s CSO, explained that her role goes well beyond bylaw enforcement. Appointed by the province, Fountain is vested with peace officer authority, allowing her to issue provincial summary offense tickets and collaborate closely with the RCMP. She is authorized to enforce multiple provincial acts, including the Traffic Safety Act, the Alcohol and Gaming Act, and the Trespass to Properties Act.
“The authority vested by the province means I can issue tickets that are enforceable in court,” Fountain said. “A lot of people don't know this. The community safety officer program isn't promoted by the province to get that awareness out there. I believe if more information about the program were provided, it would make it a lot easier for residents who have a CSO to understand that it is more than just bylaw enforcement.”
Kamsack administrator Barry Hvidston noted that public misconceptions about the CSO’s scope of authority motivated the town to organize the meeting. He said that Fountain’s responsibilities cover a wide range of duties.
“Sherise’s role is essential for Kamsack,” Hvidston said. “She can stop vehicles, issue tickets, and enforce local and provincial acts. Her work helps address issues that matter to residents.”
Fountain plays a crucial role in responding to public safety concerns. She regularly patrols the entire Town of Kamsack. Recently, she assisted in the arrest of three individuals and administered Naloxone to two people in distress. She has also conducted traffic enforcement with the local RCMP detachment, which included checkstops and vehicle safety checks.
“I'm really trying to be out there to help create a sense of safety for everyone,” she said. “We're just trying to get the word out there, and we still need input from the community. I need to be called about issues just like the RCMP would be about things going on… there are things that I can do directly, and if it’s something I can't do, I will reach out to the RCMP for assistance.”
According to Hvidston, the CSO’s work has already led to significant improvements.
“Traffic violations have decreased, and complaints about speeding within Kamsack have diminished,” he noted.
CSO Fountain works directly with the provincial program Safe Communities and Neighbours (SCAN) to address drug-related concerns. Almost daily, she investigates and deals with bylaw complaints.
Fountain’s position is also intended to alleviate pressure on the RCMP, allowing them to focus on federal mandates.
“One of the biggest positives of the CSO position is the ability to assist the RCMP. The RCMP’s main responsibilities are federal mandates. The CSO’s main responsibilities are provincial and municipal mandates. Our biggest concerns from residents are being addressed and handled by our CSO,” Hvidston said.
Residents are often not aware of the processes that occur when complaints are received, and some issues are not immediately resolvable. CSO Fountain must follow policies and procedures outlined by her provincial appointment, as well as by the town.
CSO Fountain has the authority of a peace officer and is diligently addressing the issues and concerns of Kamsack. By working with the residents, the town and CSO Fountain aim to create a stronger, safer community.
If residents still have questions about the CSO program, they are encouraged to contact the administrator or CSO Fountain.
