News release

Minister Issues Directive

Justice

Nova Scotia's Attorney General and Justice Minister Murray Scott has issued a directive to the Public Prosecution Service to ensure everything possible is done to protect public safety and security.

"Nova Scotians, including those who work to enforce the law, are growing increasingly concerned about the level of violent crime in our communities," said Mr. Scott. "We need to send a strong message to those who ignore the law and inflict harm on the citizens of our province."

Mr. Scott has directed the prosecution service to use every possible measure to deal appropriately with people who commit violent crimes, or continue to commit crimes when they are released into the community and ordered to follow conditions.

Specifically, Mr. Scott directs the prosecution service to employ every appropriate means to ensure that individuals who appear before the courts after allegedly committing violent crimes are detained until they are dealt with through the court process, particularly when a weapon has been used. When an offender is released on bail or conditions, Mr. Scott also directs the prosecution service to pursue the most appropriate remedy available if the individual breaches their conditions or other terms of their release.

"Whenever possible, violent offenders should be held in custody until trial and if not, they should be dealt with strongly if they continue to break the law while in the community," said Mr. Scott. "This directive, along with provincial funding for new police officers and other enforcement initiatives, is another step toward doing all we can to help ensure public safety."