City Hires Manager of Community Policing

Port Alberni, BC – On January 10, 2020, the City of Port Alberni hired David Cusson as Manager of Community Policing to round out the new community safety team.

Mr. Cusson comes to the City with extensive knowledge in the field of community safety, bringing over 32 years of policing experience to the position, 22 of which were with the Port Alberni RCMP detachment. Mr. Cusson’s areas of expertise include prevention education, community policing program development, resource development, stakeholder relations and strategic prevention services coordination to name a few. Before joining the City of Port Alberni, Mr. Cusson worked for the City of Nanaimo as their Community Policing Coordinator for two years managing the largest Community Policing program for the RCMP on Vancouver Island.

In this new role, Mr. Cusson will be responsible for administering, developing and coordinating a broad range of community-based crime prevention programs and community policing initiatives within the City of Port Alberni. Mr. Cusson will promote and maintain community awareness of these programs and initiatives; recruit, select, train and supervise volunteers in delivering these programs and initiatives; and contribute to the strategic goals of the RCMP and City.

“I am passionate about working in the community and am very knowledgeable and skilled with the strategies delivered by community policing programs here in B.C.,” said Mr. Cusson. “I have been a resident of Port Alberni for over 34 years with a deep understanding of the issues we face as a result of my policing background,” concluded Mr. Cusson.

The City of Port Alberni has developed a new corporate structure for Bylaw Services, Community Policing and Police Support Services. This new structure will bolster the City’s approach to community safety and help address the current and emerging public safety challenges. This change is a direct result of the City’s 2019 – 2023 Corporate Strategic Plan in which there are five strategic priorities, one of which is to foster a complete community that is safe, healthy, and inclusive.

“The importance of community policing has been increasing as communities across Canada face ongoing challenges related to crime, addiction, and mental health,” said the Mayor of Port Alberni, Sharie Minions. “As a Council, we are constantly seeking creative and effective ways to promote public safety, reduce crime and improve the quality of life for our citizens.”

Mr. Cusson will assume his new role on March 2, 2020.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Tim Pley, CAO
City of Port Alberni
250-720-2824
timothy_pley@portalberni.ca