News release

More Police Officers Help Make Community Safer

Justice

Two RCMP officers are being allocated to areas where they will help prevent crime.

The Pictou Landing First Nation, which serves five reserves, will have a provincial police officer to help support the community while a new liaison officer will be assigned to the Northumberland Regional High School in Alma. The addition of the new officers is part of government’s ongoing commitment to creating safer communities.

"We want to prevent crime before it happens and these new officers will enable us to be proactive, not just reactive," said Mr. Landry.

"We are investing in public safety and the security of all residents of Pictou County, as the officers will also work outside of their assigned areas."

Since 2006, the province has provided funding for an additional 150 enforcement officers who have been allocated throughout the province. This raises Nova Scotia's number of police per capita above the national average.

"In these fiscally challenging times we must be very strategic about how we allocate our resources," said Mr. Landry. "I believe this investment makes strong sense for this community."

Pictou Landing First Nation Chief Anne Francis-Muise welcomes the new officer to her community. "Our First Nations are facing significant challenges and this will have an immediate, positive impact," she said.

Robert Ballantyne, principal of Northumberland Regional High School, said students from the rural communities will benefit greatly from a justice presence. "This demonstrates that we are one community working together and it will help our students with the tough issues they face," he said.

The positions will become effective immediately.