News release

Province Offers More Cash to Catch Criminals

Justice

The province is strengthening its commitment to build a safer Nova Scotia by increasing the amount of money for the Rewards For Unsolved Crimes Program.

The Department of Justice will now offer cash rewards of up to $150,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals responsible for specified major unsolved crimes. Previously, the reward was $50,000. The increased amount will apply to all cases in the program.

"Our main objective with this program is to help solve these crimes and, in doing so, bring some peace to families of victims," said Justice Minister Cecil Clarke. "Although $50,000 is a significant sum, we realize that increasing the reward amount may provide further incentive for people to come forward."

The Department of Justice is also eliminating program expiry dates for cases. Police agencies across the province will not have to resubmit for a case to remain in the program, it will remain indefinitely, until the police agency of jurisdiction asks to have it removed.

"Solving these major crimes is essential to ensuring the public maintains its faith in the criminal justice system", said Supt. Blair McKnight, the RCMP Officer in charge of Criminal Operations in Nova Scotia. "We hope this increased commitment by the Department of Justice leads to information being revealed that causes criminals to be held accountable for the pain they have caused."

So far, although a number of individuals have called the Department of Justice with information about cases in the program, none of the tips has lead to an arrest.

"Oftentimes, it may be a seemingly insignificant detail that helps officers resolve a case," said Halifax Regional Police Chief Frank Beazley. "It is our hope that this increase in the award being offered will give people further incentive to come forward with that one missing piece of the puzzle that would allow police to further their investigation."

"The Rewards for Unsolved Crimes Program is important because it reminds Nova Scotians of the responsibility we all share in terms of building safer communities," said Mr. Clarke. "It gives us an opportunity to help bring criminals to justice."

The Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program was launched in October 2006. Details of cases in the program can be found at www.gov.ns.ca/just . People with information about a major unsolved crime is invited to call, toll-free, 1-888-710-9090. There are 51 cases in the Rewards for Unsolved Crimes Program.