FAQs - Community Safety & Security Team
- Blockage of business entrances
- Nuisance noise or disorder
- Open drug or alcohol use
- Public urination or defecation
- Littering, debris, or sharps requiring removal
- Minor vandalism or graffiti
- Encampment concerns, working alongside Outreach Services
- Non‑emergency wellness checks in public spaces to ensure someone’s wellbeing
What is the Community Safety & Security (CSS) Team?
The CSS Team is a 24/7, non‑police community safety presence made up of trained security professionals who provide a visible, community‑focused response to nuisance and public disorder issues.
They help prevent issues through proactive patrols using respectful de‑escalation, encouraging voluntary compliance, and connecting people to services and supports that may help them.
How is the CSS Team different from police?
The CSS Team are not law enforcement. They are a civilian, non-police service operated by a contracted provider and overseen by the City’s Growth and Community Services department.
Saint John Police do not supervise or direct their work.
The CSS Team will focus on voluntary compliance, de-escalation, and referrals, escalating to police only when necessary.
The CSS Team does not investigate crimes, detain individuals, or use force.
Their role is to help maintain safe, respectful public spaces and involve Police, Outreach, EMS, or City services only when necessary.
Where will the CSS Team operate?
The team serves Waterloo Village, Uptown Saint John, and the Thorne/Rothesay Avenue corridor.
Their proactive patrols focus on key public spaces such as King Square, Loyalist Burial Grounds, Waterloo Street, Egbert Street, and shelters at Thorne and Rothesay Avenue.
The CSS Team operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A two-person team is always on duty, working 12-hour shifts to ensure continuous coverage.
When are the CSS Team available?
The CSS Team operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A two‑person team is always on duty, working 12‑hour shifts to ensure continuous coverage.
How can businesses or organizations contact the CSS Team?
The CSS Team can be reached through a dedicated phone line provided directly to businesses, shelters, property managers, and community partners within the service area.
This number is not publicly advertised, so it will not be confused with 911 or Police non‑emergency lines.
What happens if I call about something outside their area?
If an issue falls outside of their area, the CSS Team will help direct you to the appropriate resource - such as Police non‑emergency, 911, or a City service request.
What kind of issues does the CSS Team handle?
They respond to non‑emergency nuisance issues such as:
How do they handle medical emergencies?
The team is trained in Standard First Aid, AED use and Naloxone. They provide support until EMS arrives and always calls for medical professionals when higher-level care is needed.
Who runs the CSS Team?
The CSS Team is staffed by GardaWorld, a Canadian security services company contracted by the City. GardaWorld provides trained personnel with experience in community-based safety programs. The service is paid for by the City of Saint John and managed by the Growth and Community Services department.
How will success be measured?
Success is measured through data, such as calls for service, proactive patrols, interactions and outcomes, escalation rates to Police, response times, and reductions in visible disorder.
Regular updates will be shared with the Public Safety Committee so the community can see progress and impact over time.
How long will the pilot run?
The pilot program will run for two years, with reviews at 90 days, quarterly, and annually assess results and determine whether to continue, expand or adjust the program.
When will the CSS Team launch?
The CSS Team is expected to launch in early February 2026. A public announcement will be made through the City’s channels when the team begins its work.