A meeting held between VS Security Services, the Port Augusta City Council and Port Augusta Police last week facilitated the discussions of what the patrols would do in the city.

"Hopefully (we'll be) tidying up what needs to be tidied up," VS Security Services co-directory Tony Edmonds said.

The introduction of the patrols over the coming summer was announced by the council last month.

Mr Edmonds told The Transcontinental that despite concerns raised from human rights organisations, the patrols would not be targeting any particular groups.

"A lot of people who are misinformed are making comments about what we do in Ceduna," he said.

"It's a very low-impact job."

He said the approach the company had taken in Ceduna was subtle.

"They have to come down and speak to us and find out what it is we do before they pass comment," Mr Edmonds said.

Mr Edmonds said the meeting had been successful, setting "minds at ease".

"The meeting was very good and very positive," Mr Edmonds said.

"We know exactly where the council is coming from."

He said the introduction of the patrols, would make the police's role much easier.

"They won't be tied up with council bylaws," he said.

The council will continue to work with Mr Edmonds and the company to discuss what the patrols will do in the city over the trial period, from November until March.

City manager John Stephens agreed that the meeting had confirmed the council’s decision to trial the patrols.

He said the patrols would essentially target the Central Business District and the foreshore of Port Augusta.

Mr Stephens said the patrols would increase the perception of safety within the city.

The two dog patrols will work with the council and Port Augusta Police on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from November this year until March, 2009 as a trial.

The trial will cost the council about $50,000.