Province, HRM, Police Discuss Violence

Municipal and policing partners in Halifax met with Ross Landry, Minister of Justice, on Wednesday, June 8, to again focus on enhancing public safety after recent incidents of violence and firearms use.

This is the second meeting this spring that Mr. Landry has had with Halifax Regional Police Chief Frank Beazley, RCMP Supt. Brian Brennan, Criminal Operations Officer, Supt. Darrell Beaton, Halifax district detachment of the RCMP, and HRM Mayor Peter Kelly, on the topic.

"Escalating violence and use of guns on the streets concerns us all and that's why we continue to meet to discuss these issues," said Mr. Landry. "I have been assured that all steps are being taken by HRP and the RCMP to tackle this serious problem and remove guns from our streets."

Mayor Kelly noted that recent opinion polls show most HRM residents feel they live in a safe community.

"Residents have confidence that the police are protecting them and keeping our streets secure," Mayor Kelly said. "For their part, police continue to adapt successful existing techniques and introduce imaginative new initiatives in their crime-fighting efforts."

The mayor added that police cannot do the job alone. The co-operation of citizens with information about crimes, violent or otherwise, is vital.

Policing partners are working collaboratively to investigate fully every incident and to develop a strategy to get guns off the streets.

"Public safety remains our main priority and that is why we continue to implement our crime reduction strategy," said Supt. Beaton. "The efforts of specialized units like the quick response and street crime teams are helping to bring those responsible for violent crime to justice and shut down their activity."

The strategy involves short- and long-term measures to identify the root causes of violence to help develop a solution to enhance public safety.

"The HRM Public Safety Office is implementing its public safety strategic plan, which is a holistic approach designed to address the root causes of crime," said Chief Beazley. "It brings together different levels of government and the many social agencies that all have a role to play in public safety in HRM."

The strategy includes community meetings to help build awareness and encourage residents to be part of the solution.

Mr. Landry has offered additional provincial resources, if required.

Mr. Landry and Mayor Kelly will continue to meet on the issue.