Organizational security officers will be patrolling HSC Winnipeg starting Monday

Security officers will be patrolling Winnipeg's Health Sciences Center starting Monday, the Manitoba government said.

Institutional Security Officers (ISOs) are tasked with ensuring the safety of staff, patients and visitors.

They are equipped with pepper gel. Shared Health will assess the “validity” of ISO carrying other equipment, the province said in a news release.

They will be legally empowered to exercise powers under various provincial statutes.

Manitoba Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara called ISO's arrival at HSC Winnipeg “a long overdue and important step forward.”

Asagwara said it's all part of a plan to improve safety at the Winnipeg medical facility.

ISOs provide safety and security at several Manitoba facilities, such as hospitals and post-secondary schools. They are trained in crime prevention, de-escalation techniques, arrests and mental health awareness.

The province says it is training more ISOs with classes over the next three months to fill 105 positions at HSC Winnipeg, St. Boniface Hospital, Victoria General Hospital, Brandon Regional Health Center and Selkirk Mental Health Centre.