Two full-time community peace officers have been hired and are now actively working in the Crowsnest Pass.

In a report presented to council on Aug. 7, the Director of Protective and Community Services Albert Headrick provided an update on the CPO program and some future initiatives.

Stephen Jordan-Zerr began as CPO Sergeant on Monday, July 30. Prior to this, he worked for a two-week period on a temporary basis in the absence of Larry Iutzi, the previous municipal enforcement officer.

Zerr is a graduate of the Alberta Solicitor General CPO Program and holds other certifications applicable to his profession.

A second officer, Vincent Dugauy, has been hired for a three-month term and started Monday, Aug. 13.

According to Headrick's report, the program was established and approved for the Crowsnest Pass in 2007 and is not a new initiative, "but an enhancement of a program that required changes to adequately meet the needs and circumstances of our citizens, our community and provincial regulations, as identified by a provincial audit".

Transitional Solutions reviewed the program and changes necessary, and determined that a second position was needed to meet the demands of the community.

Two vehicles with equipment were purchased at a cost of $140,000. One replaced the original unit, which was transferred to animal control, and a second vehicle was bought for the second position.

Headrick told council that most of the expenses could be offset by revenue generated through enforcement, particularly traffic enforcement on Highway 3.

"The Community Peace Officer Program or any Municipal Enforcement if structured properly can be self sufficient and provide a needed service that the community rate payers expect at an affordable price," said Headrick in his report. "Our CPO program enhancement will be cost effective, efficient and we will strive towards being self sufficient."

Headrick said $3,500 was generated over Rum Runner Days from Highway 3 tickets for violations such as speeding and not wearing seat belts. This is an example, he said, of the financial impact the program will have on the municipality.

Future plans include Saturday patrols in heavy pedestrian areas to promote positive public relations and to educate people, and weekly open houses through the month of September.

Activity updates including revenue generated will also be given to council every month, said Headrick.