This vision for the hamlet of Fort Liard, N.W.T., could be one step closer to being achieved through the implementation of the territory's first Community Safety Officer Pilot Program. The pilot program will eventually see three community safety officers respond to non-criminal safety concerns in the hamlet. Unlike the RCMP, the community safety officers will carry no weapons and go through specialized training. Tyler O'Brien, left, and Elias Park are community safety officers with the Kwanlin Dün First Nation in Whitehorse. Inspired by Kwanlin Dün First NationFort Liard's Community Safety Officer Pilot Program is modelled after a similar program in Kwanlin Dün in Yukon, said Riou, launched in 2017 after a young girl was killed in the community.

Source: CBC News July 22, 2021 12:00 UTC