Winnipeg's largest hospital will soon have institutional safety officers patrolling their building. 

The Manitoba government announced Wednesday that the new ISOs will begin patrolling the Health Sciences Centre beginning April 15. 

“Institutional safety officers are long overdue, and a significant step forward, having received enhanced training and the legal authority to enforce and exercise powers under various provincial statutes,” said Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara.

The hope is these new safety officers will help enhance the hospital's ability to keep staff, patients and visitors safe. 

"Institutional safety officers will bring an added layer of training and expertise to addressing and maintaining the safety of staff, patients and visitors at HSC,” said Dr. Shawn Young, chief operating officer at HSC Winnipeg.

The new officers are trained in public safety and crime prevention, various de-escalation techniques, enforcement of provincial laws, arrests, searches and seizures, use of force and officer safety, note-taking, interview basics, court preparation and mental health awareness.

The province says the ISOs will also be trained and equipped with the tools they need, including pepper gel. 

Additional training classes for ISOs are ongoing, with classes planned for over the next three months. The hope is to fill 105 ISO positions will be filled at HSC Winnipeg, St. Boniface Hospital, Victoria General Hospital, Brandon Regional Health Centre and Selkirk Mental Health Centre.