B.C. town hires private security guards to patrol homeless encampment, downtown core

The town of Smithers, B.C., will be hiring private security guards to monitor the community's homeless encampment and conduct periodic roaming patrols of the downtown core.

The town of about 5,400 in northwestern B.C. says the initiative is a necessary step to try to improve public safety.

"We are not in a position to be able to hire direct staff, additional community safety officers," said Smithers Mayor Gladys Atrill. "This was a way where resources could be spread."

A contract was awarded to Blue Hawk Security during a closed session of the town's Sept. 9 council meeting, meaning discussion and debate of the decision was not open to the public. LISTEN | Smithers Mayor Gladys Atrill says security guards will watch homeless camp: Daybreak North Smithers hires private secur