e29 - Community Safety Officers

In this episode, we sit down with Litzenberger, one of Nanaimo’s Community Safety Officers, to take listeners behind the scenes of one of the City’s most community‑focused frontline roles. CSOs provide uniformed patrols, response to public safety concerns and support residents facing homelessness, mental health challenges and addiction. Ron shares personal insights into the work from coordinating with police, fire, health and outreach teams, to building relationships with downtown businesses, to helping people find the resources they need. We explore the balance between compassion and compliance, what makes the job both rewarding and demanding and how this team plays a key role in keeping Nanaimo safe, connected and supported.