Editor,
With the conservation officer assigned to Revelstoke retiring, I want to reassure the community that the Conservation Officer Service will continue to provide the highest level of public safety and natural resource law enforcement service possible in the community.
The Conservation Officer Service is a highly mobile service. As with most communities throughout the province, conservation officers in the Columbia Kootenay zone are managed using a zone concept where officers respond to complaints and concerns anywhere in the zone.
A review of the deployment of officers in the Columbia Kootenay region found moving the sergeant position from Revelstoke to Golden would provide the best level of service to the entire zone and enhance safety and mutual operational support for the two officers in Invermere and one in Golden.
The review was based on location and types of complaints and calls received throughout the region, and took into consideration the safety and wellbeing of our officers.
The sergeant in charge will ensure staff resources are used as efficiently as possible to ensure a high standard of service is preserved. The sergeant can also draw on Provincial Quick Response Teams, the Provincial Investigations Branch and conservation officer regional resources as required to address major incidents and concerns.
I am extremely proud of our conservation officers and the dedication they show in protecting both public safety and the environment. I hold the B.C. Conservation Officer Service in the highest esteem and know British Columbians appreciate the integrity and values with which they serve the public.
Mary Polak
B.C. Minister of Environment