A City of Prince Rupert bylaw officer was taken to hospital last week after an altercation at a residence where he was just doing his job — enforcing city laws whether people agree with them or not.
The details of the situation are vague at best, but what is obvious is that a bylaw officers’ duties can be dangerous at times.
In Kamloops, after five bylaw officers were reportedly assaulted within six months they asked the city to allow them to carry self-defence weapons, such as pepper spray or a baton.
The same debate could be raised in Prince Rupert. A bylaw officer’s job often means confronting an individual at their residence. The person could have a weapon or be mentally unstable.
Another option is if the bylaw officer feels threatened he could ask for a police escort to the residence.
How can bylaw officers keep safe in a potentially threatening environment?