A Trail bylaw enforcement officer is being recognized as one of the best in the business.
Bobbie Briscoe has been named 2026 Officer of the Year by the Local Government Compliance and Enforcement Association of BC, recognizing her outstanding contribution to community safety, outreach and professional leadership.
“I was so excited,” said Briscoe, who was born and raised in Trail. “It’s just such an honor. It means a lot to me. I absolutely love the people of Trail. I love working in Trail. I love the type of work I do. Everyone has been so kind and a lot of people have been reaching out with their support and it’s very humbling.”
According to a news release from the City of Trail, Briscoe is known for her approach to bylaw enforcement that is grounded in dignity, respectful communication and compassionate engagement with vulnerable populations.
“Through consistent outreach, wellness checks and problem solving in the field, her work has strengthened community trust, improved voluntary compliance and enhanced safety across Trail,” said David Moorhead, City of Trail’s general manager of corporate services in his nomination letter.
Briscoe previously spent five years as a court liaison working out of the Trail RCMP detachment. She switched to bylaw enforcement about three years ago.
“I just wanted to be outside,” she said. “I wanted to interact with the people of Trail more. And the opportunity came up and I’m sure glad I did it.”
She said the job offers far more variety than you might expect.
“Traditionally, people think of bylaw officers as dealing with things like noise complaints or unsightly properties. But over the last several years, the role has really evolved. Now, a big part of what we do involves responding to more complex social issues. The job isn’t just about enforcement. It’s really about communication, de-escalation, really connecting with people and supporting them.
“One of the most wonderful things about the job is you never know what you’re going to be doing in any given day or who you might be able to help or connect with. And that’s one of the reasons I love it so much.”
Briscoe said she tries to approach her job the same way that she approaches her life, balancing professionalism and empathy. She said she tries to talk to people to get to the root of any issue and feels it’s important to let people feel heard.
Briscoe works with a parking enforcement officer, and between them they comprise Trail’s entire bylaw enforcement department.
According to the city, while her daily work centres on prevention and relationship building, Briscoe has also responded to emergency situations, including repeated overdose interventions, violent incidents and critical life-saving events.
She was originally nominated for her professional association’s Leadership and Valour in the Profession Award and was ultimately selected for the association’s top honour.
When asked about the toll the job takes on her, Briscoe said she is inspired by all of the emergency responders and other teams who provided support.
“Officer Briscoe’s many acts of heroism over the past year are truly exceptional, reflecting not only her personal courage and dedication, but also the vital and often unrecognized role bylaw officers play in keeping communities safe and livable,” said Steffan Zamzow, president of the Local Government Compliance and Enforcement Association of BC.
“Our association was honoured to recognize her outstanding acts amongst her peers from across the province, celebrating the professionalism and selfless commitment she brings to her work. She embodies the very best qualities of an exceptional bylaw officer, and this recognition is well deserved.”
Briscoe received the award last week at a conference in Nanaimo.
The Local Government Compliance and Enforcement Association of BC represents local government compliance and enforcement officers across the province, providing a forum for education, reflection and peer support. The annual awards honour people who raise professional standards and inspire pride and teamwork in their field.
