The Nelson Police Department says the lack of a full-time beat officer downtown is a problem.
The department says it has been hearing from some store owners that people loitering on the street is bad for business and keeping customers away.
Sgt. Dino Falcone says they just don’t have the resources to cover this, especially with mental health issues consuming 17 per cent of all call-outs.
The city recently rejected a police budget request for two new officers saying more discussion is needed on finding ways to ensure police are doing more hands-on police work and fewer administrative tasks.