Community Safety Order Issued

The Supreme Court of Nova Scotia has upheld another Department of Justice Community Safety Order application.

The order comes as the Public Safety Investigation Section reached an important milestone this week. Since it was formed in April 2007, 500 complaints have been investigated by the section.

The complaints have brought 101 voluntary evictions where investigators issued a warning-to-vacate notice and the resident chose to leave rather than go to court, and five successful community safety orders, primarily for drug related offences.

The latest order came after an investigation by the department's Public Safety Investigation Section, with Halifax Regional Police, for drug-related activities at 2441 Creighton St., Halifax. The order had the residents evicted and, in this case, rescinded the property lease permanently.

"Due to the dedication of our Public Safety Investigation Section's investigators, we've seen great success in creating safer communities in this province," said Roger Merrick, director of Public Safety Investigations. "Reaching this significant milestone is proof that Nova Scotians have a vested interest in the safety of their neighbourhoods."

"The Safer Communities and Neigbourhoods Act has been a tremendous asset in dealing with drug, alcohol and prostitution related issues," said Chief Frank Beazley, Halifax Regional Police. "The closure of the property, in this case where illegal drug activity was taking place, is the result of the hard work and partnership between the Provincial Public Safety Investigation Section and Halifax Regional Police."

The Creighton Street Community Safety Order was issued under the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act. The act improves community safety by targetting and, if necessary, shutting down residential and commercial buildings and land that are regularly used for illegal activities.

The act is meant to provide citizens with an effective tool to take back neighbourhoods that are adversely affected by criminal activity, such as illegal use, and trafficking, of drugs, sale of alcohol, prostitution and related offences and illegal gaming.

People who want to make a complaint under the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act can call 1-877-357-2337.