New Breathalysers Win Police, MADD Support
Municipal police agencies throughout Nova Scotia will be able to purchase modern breathalyser units and upgrade their radio systems, thanks to $160,000 in provincial funding.
Justice Minister Michael Baker joined police chiefs today, Oct. 27, to announce the province's investment of $110,000 for the breathalyser units and $50,000 for the more modern radio equipment.
"These are important investments in a safer, stronger Nova Scotia," said Mr. Baker. "The new breathalyser equipment is another step forward in our campaign to keep impaired drivers off the road."
The province will pay for new Datamaster breathalysers, or will reimburse police agencies that have already purchased the equipment.
Three units will be funded in Halifax, two in Cape Breton and one each in Springhill, Pictou County, Amherst, Truro, Bridgewater and Kentville. Police agencies sought funding because they were concerned about the increasing costs of repairs to existing equipment, and the risk of having court cases thrown out because of faulty equipment.
"We applaud the province for purchasing Datamaster testing instruments for our departments," said Chief Ken MacLean, president of the Nova Scotia Chiefs of Police Association. "This is a pro-active approach that will assist our police services in ensuring community safety. It will also move us toward our Canadian Road Safety Vision 2010 goal of making our provincial roadways safer for all."
"Nova Scotia chapters of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) are very pleased to see this provincial funding for new Datamaster breathalysers," said Susan MacAskill, Atlantic region manager. "This will automatically increase the apprehension rate of impaired drivers, and will ensure that fewer charges are dropped because of technicalities or faulty equipment. Volunteers and members of MADD Canada are pleased to see Nova Scotia step up the battle against impaired driving."
Chris McNeil, deputy chief of operations for the Halifax Regional Police said the fight against impaired driving continues to be "a serious public safety concern."
"We are encouraged by the minister's support, which will ensure that Nova Scotia police officers have the very latest technology to battle this deadly crime," he said.
The improved radio technology will link municipal police with the RCMP and emergency providers through a provincewide mobile radio network.
"Improved communication means a higher degree of public safety,” said Mr. Baker.
"The Nova Scotia Chiefs of Police Association is extremely pleased with this provincial support for radio upgrades," said Chief Brent Crowhurst of the Bridgewater Police Department. "It means several smaller agencies can improve safety for their officers and the public they serve."