Three service models are being considered:

• Community Safety Officer (CSO) Program
• Municipal Police Service
• By-law Enforcement Officers

Each option offers different responsibilities, legislative authority, costs, and implementation timelines.

Before sharing your feedback, we encourage you to review the information below, attend our public open house, and complete the community survey.

Option 1 – Community Safety Officer (CSO) Program

Legislative Details

Section 77.1 of The Police Services Act allows municipalities to establish a Community Safety Officer (CSO) Program. Under Section 77.6.1, Community Safety Officers are recognized as peace officers while carrying out their authorized duties.

Operational Details

Community Safety Officers focus on prevention, education, visibility, and community engagement. Their responsibilities include:

Implementing crime prevention initiatives
Conducting community patrols
Maintaining a visible presence throughout the municipality
Connecting residents with social services
Assisting police when required
Identifying and reporting emerging public safety concerns

Community Safety Officers also have enforcement authority under several provincial statutes, including:

The Highway Traffic Act
The Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Control Act
The Minors Intoxicating Substances Control Act
The Off-Road Vehicles Act
The Public Health Act
The Smoking and Vapour Products Control Act
The Trespass Act
Financial Details

The RM of East St. Paul currently operates a Community Safety Officer Program consisting of two full-time CSOs, one part-time CSO, a part-time coordinator, and two vehicles. Annual operating expenses in 2024 were approximately $370,000, excluding fine revenue.

The RM of Springfield already owns much of the required equipment, reducing start-up costs. Initial expenses for uniforms and vehicle decals are estimated at approximately $5,000.

Communications monitoring through Brandon Public Safety Communications Centre is estimated at up to $2,000 annually. Community Safety Officers would self-dispatch.

Timeline

An interim Community Safety Officer Program began in January 2026 following Council approval. This interim program allows enforcement services to continue while public consultation is underway.

Should Council choose to expand the program, the existing framework supports future growth.

Option 2 – Municipal Police Service

Legislative Details

Under Section 13(1) of The Police Services Act, every municipality in Manitoba must ensure policing services are provided through one of the following:

A municipal police service
A contract with the RCMP
A regional police service
An agreement with another municipal police service
Operational Details

Between 2021 and 2025, Springfield Police Service officers were seconded to the RCMP through a cooperative agreement that supported operational development and mentorship.

Municipal Police Officers are responsible for:

Preserving the peace
Preventing crime
Assisting victims
Apprehending offenders
Executing warrants
Laying charges
Enforcing municipal by-laws
Performing additional policing duties assigned by the Chief of Police
Financial Details

The 2025 operating budget for the Springfield Police Service was $632,140 and supported:

One Chief of Police
Two Constables
Training
Vehicle maintenance
Fuel
Building operations
Timeline

The Province of Manitoba has confirmed that the Springfield Police Service is currently deactivated.

Reactivating the service would require:

Provincial approval
Submission of a detailed operational plan
Compliance with Manitoba Policing Standards
Establishment of a Police Board
Appointment of a Chief of Police
Recruitment of Police Officers

Option 3 – By-law Enforcement Officers

Legislative Details

Section 130 of The Municipal Act allows municipalities to establish designated officer positions responsible for enforcing municipal by-laws.

By-law Enforcement Officers enforce municipal by-laws under The Municipal By-law Enforcement Act and are recognized as peace officers under the Criminal Code of Canada while carrying out their duties.

Operational Details

By-law Enforcement Officers enforce municipal by-laws only. Their authority does not extend to provincial or federal legislation, nor do they respond to criminal emergencies.

Typical responsibilities include:

Parking enforcement
Property standards
Noise complaints
Animal control by-laws
Other municipal by-law matters

While this model supports compliance with municipal regulations, it provides limited impact on broader public safety and crime prevention.

Financial Details

Operating a By-law Enforcement Officer program would require many of the same resources as a Community Safety Officer Program, including:

Vehicles
Uniforms
Equipment
Administrative support

Communications monitoring would also be recommended for officer safety.

Although operating costs are comparable, the authority and scope of By-law Enforcement Officers are significantly more limited.

Timeline

The position of By-law Enforcement Officer already exists under Springfield By-law No. 18-14.

Implementation would primarily involve hiring and training staff.

While this option could be implemented relatively quickly, it provides limited authority, receives little provincial support, and does not offer a comprehensive public safety solution.

Compare the Options

Community Safety Officers

• Prevention and community safety
• Community patrols
• Provincial enforcement authority
• Community education and outreach
• Scalable program

Municipal Police Service

• Full policing services
• Criminal investigations
• Criminal Code enforcement
• Emergency response
• Highest level of policing authority

By-law Enforcement Officers

• Municipal by-law enforcement
• Property standards and parking
• Municipal by-laws only
• Limited enforcement authority
• Quick implementation

Have Your Say

Council values your input.

There are several ways to participate:

Complete the online survey.
Attend the Public Open House on Monday, July 20, 2026.
Review the project resources before providing your feedback.

Your feedback will help inform future decisions about community safety services in the RM of Springfield.