News release

$6.1 Million For Law Enforcement Supports Safer Communities

Justice

JUSTICE--$6.1 Million For Law Enforcement Supports Safer Communities


The Nova Scotia government will invest $6.1 million over four years to support safe communities by bringing the province's municipal police forces into a national system of intelligence- based policing, Justice Minister Michael Baker announced today, April 14.

Mr. Baker also announced that the Department of Justice will host a symposium of experts to combat marijuana grow operations. Topics will include possible legislative, law enforcement and other measures.

"The world is changing," said Mr. Baker. "The nature of organized crime and terrorism has changed, and we need to make sure Nova Scotia is a strong link in the chain fighting these forces. Our investment will help improve practical, on-the-ground intelligence gathered by Criminal Intelligence Service Nova Scotia. This is an investment in public safety that will pay dividends in every community across our province."

Ian Atkins, the RCMP's commanding officer in Nova Scotia, said residents can be confident that police are committed to disrupt serious, organized and economic crime. "With this investment, Criminal Intelligence Service Nova Scotia will grow from six to 26 employees. Twelve intelligence officers, from our partner policing agencies, will be located in strategic areas across the province. They will work closely with six intelligence analysts. It's a very positive step forward."

The provincial funding includes $1 million in 2005-06 and $1.7 million in each of the next three years. The province will pay the salaries of new municipal police officers who will replace more experienced officers who will be seconded to Criminal Intelligence Service Nova Scotia.

The additional funding will help improve the co-ordination and analysis of intelligence so law enforcement agencies can be more proactive in their fight against organized crime.

"This initiative ensures Nova Scotia is part of the national trend towards intelligence-led policing, which provides an early warning system about crime trends," said Chief Frank Beazley, Halifax Regional Police. "It enables police managers to determine where resources should be allocated and strengthens the intelligence gathering process across the province. Most importantly, it brings us closer together in a concerted effort to identify and attack organized and serious crime in our province."

Edgar MacLeod, president of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and chief of the Cape Breton Regional Police Service, said the support is welcome. "The minister's announcement today of support for the Criminal Intelligence Service of Nova Scotia will lead to positive outcomes for public safety in all Nova Scotia communities, indeed, right across Canada."

Amherst Police Chief Charles Rushton said the provincial funding is encouraging news for communities across the province. "The introduction of these additional positions and their placement at strategic locations within Nova Scotia will help law enforcement agencies gain additional expertise in specific areas of organized criminal activity," he said. "As the police chief in a smaller community I can assure you that we are not immune to the effects of organized crime."

Priorities include marijuana grow operations, illegal use of prescription drugs, smash and grab tobacco rings, the sale of illegal drugs, electronic fraud, murders linked to bike gangs and border security.

Criminal Intelligence Service Nova Scotia is one of nine provincial bureaus that operate under a national umbrella. More than 380 law enforcement agencies are members of Criminal Intelligence Service Canada. For more information, see the website at http://www.cisc.gc.ca .