‘We care about them’: Inside North Battleford’s downtown security pilot

During their first two months on patrol, the pair have focused on building relationships with vulnerable people, many of whom are unhoused or living with addictions, while also responding to concerns from downtown businesses.

Their patrol area spans roughly three blocks, from Railway Avenue to 14th Avenue and from 100th Street to 13th Avenue, including nearby alleys.

Along with simply moving people along, the pair say they try to connect them with services and encourage them to seek help when they are ready.

“We talk to them, say, ‘You guys don’t want to be out here.’ They have to want to get sober and a lot of them are stuck in that rut,” Rosette said.

Those conversations can be difficult, particularly when people continue to cycle through addiction. Rosette recalled one call involving a 22-year-old man who has spent nearly half his life living on the streets.

“We got a call the other day, they said ‘something is wrong with him.’ She [Moosomin] jumped out, gave him Narcan. He was already turning blue; she saved his life.”

Days later, the man was back downtown.

The experience, however, has not discouraged either woman.

“It’s human to have those concerns and to try to help somebody have discernment, but it’s really up to a person every day what kind of person they want to be,” Moosomin said.

The pair have also seen encouraging signs of progress.

Rosette pointed to a woman she has known for years who had often been seen yelling in the downtown core.

“I was best friends with her niece,” Rosette said. “She just had some trauma in her life and the drugs and alcohol, but I always talk to her… In the past two weeks, we have barely seen her yelling.”

Although both women know many of the people they encounter personally, they said they make a point of treating everyone with the same respect.

Alyssa Rudolph/ battlefordsNOW

Building trust

Rosette and Moosomin said their different personalities complement one another.

Rosette considers communication and de-escalation her strengths, while Moosomin takes a firmer approach when situations require it.

“Somebody’s got to have that stronghold too. And then the kindness, that softness is there that we need – both of them to have a balance,” Moosomin said.

On a typical shift, the pair ask people to move away from storefronts, check on those who appear to be in distress, carry Narcan, wear body cameras and radios, and connect people with services such as the public library, Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre and Miwasin Kikinaw.

Alyssa Rudolph/ battlefordsNOW

Several people who spend time downtown said those efforts have made a difference.

One unhoused man, who goes by the nickname ‘Giant’, said the pair regularly check on him and help whenever they can.

“They help me whenever I need it. They’re doing such a good job.”

Giant often picks up garbage around the downtown core, and in return, Rosette and Moosomin sometimes buy him a coffee or replace clothing he needs.

Another man, ‘Mook’, said the pair helped him recover after most of his belongings were stolen by taking him to the bank and helping him get back on his feet.

MGBHLM Security with ‘Mook’. (Image Credit: Alyssa Rudolph/ battlefordsNOW)

“They really helped me out that day,” he said.

As the conversation wrapped up, Mook turned toward the two security guards with a smile.

“I love you guys. This is family.”

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Alyssa.rudolph@pattisonmedia.com

by Alyssa Rudolph

‘We care about them’: Inside North Battleford’s downtown security pilot

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