There's a new peace officer in the Town of Bonnyville, and he's ready to get to work.
Shaz Khan officially stepped into his role as the town's new peace officer on Monday, Jan. 7.
Along with town administration, Khan is busy at work establishing the program, familiarizing himself with the bylaws, and getting to know the area.
As a peace officer for the municipality, Khan will mainly be focusing on enforcing local bylaws, including parking, land use, and cannabis. He will also be working alongside RCMP and emergency services, and taking part in outreach programs in the community.
Khan has spent roughly seven years as a peace officer, two years with Alberta Health Services and the regional municipality of Wood Buffalo, as well as five years with the City of Brooks. He also volunteered as a firefighter for five years.
Shaz Khan has officially started with the municipality.
"Working within a smaller municipality is great in a way, because you can work along with the community... You can set up some great outreach programs, as well. I think one of the biggest things is, you kind of take in what the community wants, with (what town council) wants, and incorporate that," he said.
With his wide-range of experience and the support of the town, Khan's confident in his new position.
"It's a new program that will be starting here. That's another great advantage to start a program from scratch, to get what the community wants and go based on that," he noted.
Khan has some plans in the works, and wants to hear what the community has to say.
"Obviously, the enforcement-side (will be big), hearing what the community's concerns are, and then outreach is going to be a huge part. Working along with our fellow agencies, such as the RCMP, for outreach programs with schools, whether it's bike rodeos or Halloween presentations, there's a few things I've done in the past with my previous employments that I want to bring here and get involved with youth here," Khan emphasized.
Previously, Bonnyville contracted their bylaw services through an enhanced position at the local RCMP detachment.
"It will be good to have some consistency within the town, because that's one thing that we haven't had," explained Bonnie Wood, corporate health and safety manager for the town. "The RCMP are so busy, they just don't have the time to follow-up all the time."
She added, "It's frustrating for the citizens that are calling in, and stuff gets done and then it doesn't get done. It's not the fault of the RCMP by any means, and this will be a good complement for them."
The town has allocated $100,000 in their 2019 budget for wages and benefits for the position, while training and development comes with a price tag of $5,000. The association and telephone fees are over $8,000.
According to Bonnyville's CAO Mark Power, $100,000 will be taken from the RCMP reserve while the remaining costs will be covered through taxes.
The vehicle for the peace officer was purchased from another municipality for $7,000, and cost $14,800 to outfit with the necessary equipment. Funds were used from the town's 2018 budget to cover the expenses.
Khan feels taking the position as peace officer will allow the RCMP to focus their attention and resources on bigger crimes.
"With the members moving out and new members coming in, it's hard for the community to build that rapport with the officer. I want to build that rapport with the community where they can approach me and vice-versa."
