TEN Community Safety Officers (CSOs) will begin patrolling the transit system with their assigned squads at the start of next week after having graduated from their 17-week training program on November 2, Transit Police announced on Thursday.

Community Safety Officers are a new category of frontline Transit Police employees who will supplement patrol police officers. They will provide additional uniformed visibility on the transit system and address low risk incidents that do not necessarily require the full powers and tools of a police officer.

Transit Police CSOs will help deliver a community-focused approach to keeping transit safe. In addition to regular patrol duties, CSOs will assist with tasks such as the collection of video evidence, outside perimeter security at police incidents, providing support at major events and emergencies, and other responsibilities.

The CSOs all have customer service experience, know first aid and have the skills needed to help address the social and policing issues found on and around the transit system in Metro Vancouver.

“It’s exciting to see the Community Safety Officers program come to fruition. Their status as peace officers will empower CSOs to enforce transit bylaws and the transit conduct and safety regulations, bringing a new level of safety to the transit system,” said Constable Amanda Steed.

“My classmates and I are excited to graduate after several intense months of classroom and field training. We feel ready and excited to be deployed into the community, and are looking forward to helping everyone feel safe while they use transit in the Lower Mainland,” said Kevin Regush, CSO graduating class valedictorian.

The next class of 10 CSOs will begin their training on November 6. Learn more about the Community Safety Officers at transitpolice.ca/CSO.