A second Community Safety Officer (CSO) has joined the team for the Rural Municipality of Hanover. 

In October 2023, the municipality hired Trevor Schellenberg as Bylaw Enforcement Officer. Hanover also then signed onto the CSO program, which allows the municipality to enforce much more than just bylaws and road restrictions. Spokesperson Paul Wiebe says their Community Safety Officers are able to issue provincial tickets for offences like speeding, rolling through stop signs or improper use of off-road vehicles. 

Just recently, Hanover announced that Tim Houska has been hired as the second CSO for the municipality.

"We're really thrilled with that," says Wiebe. "We feel he was the right fit for this position, and so we are looking forward to having him work in our communities, get introduced to our community members, and show a presence there."

Retired WPS officer joins Hanover ranks

Houska comes to Hanover with more than 28 years of service with Winnipeg Police Service (WPS). Houska says in nearly three decades he held many different roles, including working as a community beat officer, the domestic violence unit, general patrol activities, and street supervision activities. He was also involved in the training division for many years as a police vehicle operations program manager. 

Houska says after his retirement from WPS he felt he still had a bit left in the tank in order to continue serving the community. 

"I'm excited to be here, I'm excited to serve the community," says Houska. "Excited to represent the RM of Hanover and work with Paul and Trevor in the capacity that they've hired me to do."

Schellenberg says it is really good to have a second officer. 

"He's been a good fit for us so far; we work well together," says Schellenberg. "He brings a lot to the table, has helped me just approach traffic stops and stuff differently."

Schellenberg says having a second officer is also a good addition from a safety standpoint, noting the two can work as a pair, instead of him being out there alone in the community. Wiebe adds that it has been a challenge to operate with only a single officer. He notes it has been good to double the size of their staff, noting that a lot of Houska's training happened during the spring road restriction season. 

CSO program making a difference in Hanover

Schellenberg says in the few short years since he first started working as a CSO, he has definitely started to notice trends changing in the municipality. He notes residents point out that they are making a difference in stop sign infractions and speeding infractions. 

"I think it has really assisted in the community quite a bit," he adds. "We're trying to stay out and visible, and hopefully this will continue, and we can help keep Hanover safe."

Schellenberg notes bylaw enforcement certainly keeps them busy with things like weed control and unsightly properties. He says there are several other acts they enforce, including ones related to liquor/ cannabis, as well as trespassing. 

"We do a lot of the same roles as our local RCMP and the municipal police forces," says Schellenberg. "And as mentioned as well, we do not get into the criminal realm however we are able to arrest in the event that we come across a certain situation; we do have that authority as well."

"It's been good," adds Wiebe. "And we just look forward to expanding that and expanding his role within the RM."