News release

Crime Prevention Symposium in Nova Scotia

Justice

Police, community groups, organizations, academics and researchers will meet in Halifax on Thursday, April 2, for the province's first crime prevention symposium to share ways to reduce crime in Nova Scotia.

The one-day session, from 8:15 a.m to 4 p.m., will be held at the Westin Hotel and is sponsored by the Department of Justice. About 200 people are expected to attend. Media are welcome.

During the symposium, Minister of Justice and Attorney General Cecil Clarke will present the inaugural Justice Minister's Award for Leadership in Crime Prevention in six categories.

"Nova Scotia is making good progress in the prevention of crime and we want everyone to benefit from the projects underway across the province," said Mr. Clarke. "Our crime strategy, Time To Fight Crime Together, has involved hundreds of people, including youth and communities actively working to reduce crime and make Nova Scotia safer."

"We're coming together to learn what is working," said Stephanie MacInnis-Langley, director of crime prevention, Department of Justice. "One of the key principles of crime prevention is partnership, and when we can bring together people who are already doing great work, everyone benefits."

The symposium will feature a panel discussion and a number of group sessions that will cover subjects such as early intervention for children who are at risk of becoming criminally active, the unique needs of Aboriginal victims of crime, practices and strategies to supervise young people under court supervision, and public safety initiatives.

The keynote address will be given by Halifax Regional Police Chief Frank Beazley.

For more details, go to www.gov.ns.ca/just/CP_symposium.asp .