CARONPORT — The Village of Caronport has renewed a policing contract with its community safety office for almost another four years due to the “fantastic” work the special constable is doing to address crime.
The community safety office (CSO) announced on Oct. 30 that the municipality had extended the contract for an extra 40 months, which it said was a validation of its ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Caronport residents.
“We are pleased to report that during the previous contract period (from September 2021 to now), crime and other offences in our community have seen a significant decline,” Special Const. Randy Jesse said. “This positive trend reflects the effectiveness of our comprehensive safety measures and the co-operative effects of the residents and law enforcement.”
The renewed contract — for roughly $60,000 annually — will enable the CSO to continue providing essential services, including regular patrols, outreach programs and safety education workshops, he continued. The office aims to foster a secure and supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
Caronport’s community safety office works closely with the RCMP and other provincial agencies to ensure that comprehensive and co-ordinated safety measures are implemented, Jesse noted. These relationships have been important in the CSO’s efforts to maintain public safety and address concerns effectively.
Furthermore, the agency is exploring opportunities to work with neighbouring municipalities to expand its reach and enhance safety initiatives, he added. These expansions will enable the office to share resources, knowledge and best practices while strengthening the safety net for all communities involved.
Some tactics the CSO uses to keep the village safe include high-visibility patrols, community engagement, “common sense,” and modern law enforcement methods. These strategies, Jesse noted, have proven effective in creating a safer environment.
Besides policing, Jesse also helps co-ordinate the village’s Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) to ensure the community is prepared for emergencies or disasters.
“We are deeply grateful for the community’s trust and support,” he added. “This extension empowers us to enhance our efforts in building a safer Caronport for everyone.”
Ashley Chase, the Village of Caronport administrator, said the service that Jesse and the CSO have provided has “been fantastic.”
“We really enjoy having him here. It’s been great. The amount of crime has gone down a lot in Caronport … ,” she remarked. “Just the presence alone is so helpful.”
Chase appreciated how closely Jesse works with the RCMP, noting that officers from the provincial agency are rarely in the community because of the good job the special constable does. She added that the village is pleased with Jesse’s efforts to grow the program.
Municipal election
When Caronport residents head to the polls on Wednesday, Nov. 13, they will be voting for two new councillors for council. Two councillor positions have already been acclaimed, while incumbent mayor Dan Buck has also been acclaimed.
Gibbons is a driver and business owner, Dunbar is an instructor, Trudgeon is an electrician, Webster is a therapist/coach and Wheaton is retired.
