News release

Province and Police Finalize Initial New Officer Allocation

Justice

Additional police officers will be added to all 55 Nova Scotia municipalities within the next two years.

The allocation of the initial round of officers was finalized today, Nov. 16, at a meeting of the Department of Justice, municipal police forces and the RCMP.

Earlier this year the province announced 250 new officers to be added over four years, starting in spring 2007. The total budget for the new officers is $65 million over the four years.

"I am pleased to have the input and support of law enforcement in preventing and addressing crime in our province," said Justice Minister Murray Scott. "These new officers will support both their local communities and collaborate with neighbouring jurisdictions on strategic enforcement activities."

Today's meeting determined the allocation of an initial 109 officers, with all municipalities receiving at least one new officer by spring 2008. Smaller municipalities will receive one or two officers, Halifax Regional Municipality will receive 36 and the Cape Breton Regional Municipality will receive 10.

"The chiefs of police for the four municipalities in the County of Pictou are happy to receive such strong support for our collaborative proposal and we are very glad to see it moving forward," said Lorne Smith, chief of the New Glasgow Police Service.

"We're very pleased with the province's decision to further invest in police resources," said Chief Superintendent Tom Bennet, RCMP criminal operations officer. "This funding will benefit us all as individual policing agencies but more importantly it will be maximized through our integration and partnership initiatives to the benefit of all Nova Scotians."

"We are particularly pleased that this plan is a safety package that includes not only good law enforcement measures but also recognizes community development and proactive prevention measures," said Edgar MacLeod, chief, Cape Breton Regional Municipality Police Department. "In Cape Breton we will be using the minister's support on this comprehensive approach to community safety by addressing both enforcement and root causes of crime."

A Strategic Deployment Committee is being established to plan for the allocation of the remaining officers. Priority issues when considering distribution of new officers include activities to address organized crime, street crime, child exploitation, illegal drugs and school safety.

"We have adopted a phased-in approach to allow for joint planning with law enforcement, to ensure we make the most impact on community safety," said Mr. Scott. "At the same time, police agencies need adequate time for their own planning and recruitment efforts."