Bylaw officer likes giving back to community
Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services
Inuvik (Apr 20/01) - Randy Shermack says law enforcement has always been in his blood.
Last September Shermack became bylaw enforcement officer for the town. During his near 18 years in the community, he's also served as sheriff and jail guard.
"I've always liked to help people and I've always been a person who's in the public eye," Shermack said.
"My biggest job is just to be out in the public eye and have people come and approach me with any problems they have. With people approaching me, I feel I can give back a little bit, and I like to give back to the community."
Shermack enforces town bylaws, such as traffic violations or checking to see firms have up to date business licences. He also spends a lot of time chasing stray dogs.
"Downtown parking is fairly chaotic right now," said Shermack, adding that the downtown signage is to be modified soon.
Shermack said he likes working with kids, and talks to them about issues like bike safety and snowmobile awareness.
"I would consider bylaw enforcement more of a safety officer more than anything, trying to make the public aware of what they can and can not do."
This February Shermack spent three-and-a-half weeks taking a community constable course at the RCMP Depot in Regina, Sask.
"You learn police defence tactics as well as how to approach vehicles and work with the general public."
Shermack said the course is a condensed version of the six-month training RCMP members go through.
Starting in late March, Shermack started a three-month training period with the local RCMP detachment. He works with the Mounties two shifts a week, and is assigned to Const. Darryl Krumbohls.
"I'm more or less being trained the same way a RCMP officer would be trained, but it's just going to be a shorter period of time," Shermack said.
Upon completing this training, Shermack will be sworn in as a peace officer under the RCMP act.
"I have peace officer status right now through the Town of Inuvik, but my powers of arrest will increase," Shermack said. "It gives me a better working relationship with the RCMP."
