Criminal Intelligence Service Nova Scotia Releases Report

A new report highlights efforts to improve community safety through intelligence-led policing. Criminal Intelligence Service Nova Scotia released its first report today, Dec. 19.

Criminal Intelligence Service Nova Scotia is a partnership of policing and other agencies in Nova Scotia responsible for collecting, analyzing and sharing information and intelligence on organized and other serious crime.

"Criminal Intelligence Service Nova Scotia is an excellent tool for law enforcement in terms of the collecting and sharing of important information," said Justice Minister Murray Scott. "Along with initiatives like the 250 new police officers and the Task Force on Safer Streets and Communities, it will go a long way in helping law enforcement fight crime in our province."

"Nova Scotia is a safe place to live," said Assistant Commissioner Ian Atkins, commanding officer of the RCMP in Nova Scotia and chair of the service. "But we aren't immune to organized and serious crime. This first report by the service outlines serious criminal threats in the province and illustrates our commitment to working together to combat the crimes that have the most significant impact on our lives."

The report provides details surrounding organized crime in Nova Scotia and the criminal markets within which organized crime groups typically operate. The report is intended to raise public awareness and provide tips to all Nova Scotians on ways to identify and help fight organized crime in their neighbourhoods.

"It will take our whole community to stop the violence, illicit drug trafficking, street gangs, and other organized crimes that threaten our safety and our way of life in Nova Scotia," said Amherst Police Chief Charles Rushton. "With police agencies, government and members of the public working together, we can combat the organized crime groups that operate in our province, and keep Nova Scotia a safe place to live."

Locking car doors, reporting suspicious behaviour, and avoiding counterfeit goods are just some of the methods identified by Criminal Intelligence Service Nova Scotia to help Nova Scotians prevent the growth of organized crime.

In April 2005, government announced a $6.1-million investment over four years to support the program. It is one of 10 provincial bureaus that operate under Criminal Intelligence Service Canada.

A copy of the report is available on the website at www.gov.ns.ca/just/publications/publications.asp or by calling 902-426-1148.