Province and Police Meet to Discuss Additional Policing

The distribution of 250 new police officers will be the focus of meetings this month between the Department of Justice, Nova Scotia's police chiefs and the RCMP. The additional officers are being phased in over four years, starting in 2007.

"We want to make sure these officers will go where they will have the greatest impact on community safety," said Justice Minister Murray Scott. "Police chiefs and RCMP serving municipalities are giving us important information on how to make the most of these additional resources."

Police met earlier this week in Truro with Department of Justice officials to discuss a range of policing issues, including new officers.

"The addition of 250 police officers is a demonstration of the province's commitment to working in partnership with police agencies so that we may continue to combat community issues for and with our citizens. Together, we can continue to provide safer, stronger communities across Nova Scotia," said Chief Frank A. Beazley of Halifax Regional Police on behalf of the Nova Scotia Chiefs of Police Association.

Adding new officers is a key initiative as part of the provincial government's efforts to improve the safety and security of Nova Scotia's communities. The province has passed legislation to create a public safety investigative unit that will help communities fight crime in their neighbourhoods. A new rewards program for unsolved murders has been introduced, and the province has committed $6 million to law enforcement to address organized crime.

In October Mr. Scott met with Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety, and federal Justice Minister Vic Toews. During the meetings he urged the federal government to consult with the provinces on distribution of federal funding for new police officers, and received a commitment for early legislative action to improve the Youth Criminal Justice Act. The Minister's Task Force on Safer Streets and Communities will also be holding meetings in communities across Nova Scotia to hear ideas on how to prevent crime through community based activities.

Mr. Scott also welcomed new federal legislation to strengthen penalties under the Criminal Code.

"The federal government has introduced legislation to allow the courts and law enforcement to better deal with crime in our country," said Mr. Scott. "I encourage all Nova Scotians to call on their member of parliament to support any legislation that will improve the safety of our communities."