Community safety officers settling into new building
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The City of Portage la Prairie has recently moved its community safety officers (CSOs) into a new, larger headquarters, a development local officials say signals a long-term commitment to community security.
The new facility is currently undergoing renovations, including fresh paint, during the official move. The building is now open to the public and offers significantly more space than the previous office, allowing for better operational security and employee amenities.
“This is a great move for the community safety officers to move over there because the building is substantially larger,” said Councillor Colin Doyle. “It just gives them all a little bit more space for, one, for confidentiality reasons, and because it is a secure facility now, as opposed to just an office you can walk into.”
The new location is at 14 Tupper Street South. Doyle added that the building will also provide functional upgrades for staff, including proper locker space and shower facilities.
The city acquired the former Portage Mutual Insurance building for approximately $700,000 earlier this year. Doyle said the substantial financial commitment reflects the city’s stance on local enforcement and public safety.
“It shows our residents that the council is committed to actually making people feel safer in our community,” Doyle said. “This wasn’t a cheap investment for the city to make, but I think it shows to our manager and our officers that our council is invested in this program.”
While residents have enquired about extending CSO shifts into the weekends following recent expansions to officer numbers and equipment, Doyle stated that further schedule changes are not immediately on the horizon.
“There’s no plan in place at the moment. Basically, like anything else, it hinges on funding,” Doyle said, though he acknowledged that the feedback on the program’s recent growth has been overwhelmingly positive. “It’s always something on our mind. I would say that it’s probably in our plans in the future.”
» Portage Graphic Leader