ST. PAUL – During the Town of St. Paul council meeting on Aug. 11, council passed the second and final reading of the Municipal Police Committee Bylaw.
Council approved the first reading on July 28. “The idea of the policing committee is to be the eyes and ears of the community,” related to annual priorities, procedures, and objectives of the police, Director of Protective Services Trevor Kotowich told council at the time.
With the passing of the bylaw on Aug. 11, this will allow the town to establish a policing committee to “advise council on policing matters” and will also provide feedback to RCMP, according to the bylaw.
Once formed, the committee will also cooperate with community groups on public safety programs and would have to submit a yearly report to council.
The town’s committee will have a maximum of five members, of which four are members of the public, and one a representative from the town council.
Public committee members will serve two or three years and can serve two terms. A one-year break is required after two terms. Members must take an Oath of Office and must pass a criminal record check.
Members also cannot work for the Town, RCMP, or other police forces. Members must be a Canadian citizen or a landed immigrant. They must have lived in St. Paul for six months before applying.
Kotowich told council the committee will likely be established after the October 2025 municipal election, but town could advertise for committee positions as early as September.
