The Olds detachment of the Commissionaires made a presentation to town council during the latter's Policies and Priorities meeting last week, asking if the town would be interested in securing its services.
Jack Fewster told councillors that the group began looking to expand its services beyond Olds College in November 2009. It is currently doing patrols of the Mountain View County main administration building and adjacent lands, but Fewster said the Commissionaires want to expand their patrols to include the business parks and the main commercial area in town.
Currently, the Commissionaires do some work for some businesses in the Imperial Industrial Park, but Fewster told councillors that in order for the service to remain viable, 50 businesses would have to sign up for the service. Currently, about 10 businesses use the services of the Commissionaires. It also does a general patrol of the entire park.
ìI don't know how long we can continue with our patrols based on the income we have now. The letters of reference we have, everybody is happy,î Fewster said.
Mayor Judy Dahl suggested that the Commissionaires take the proposal to the Municipal Area Partnership for consideration.
Coun. Mary Jane Harper pointed out that the town already uses the services of Citizens on Patrol and the RCMP to do much the same as what the Commissionaires are proposing. She also thought that the town approaching businesses about this proposal might be reaching too far.
ìAre we stepping over a realm we shouldn't be?î she asked rhetorically.
The cost of the service is $125 per night, plus additional fees to businesses who ask the Commissionaires to conduct patrols of their premises. Fewster said if the town were to sign up, Commissionaires would negotiate a fee with the town.
ìWe're not trying to replace Citizens on Patrol. We feel that we would be a good complement to them and the RCMP,î Fewster said in an interview.
Dahl told fellow councillors more discussion needs to take place on the issue amongst businesses, councillors and administration before any firm decision is made.
The Commissionaires are primarily composed of former military members and police officers who provide security services for businesses. In larger centres, Commissionaires provide security at airports and other such venues.
ìThe type of patrol that we're trying to put together in Olds is relatively new to Commissionaires,î Fewster said.
"We're not trying to replace Citizens on Patrol. We feel that we would be a good complement to them and the RCMP."Jack Fewster, member, Commissionaires
