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Nova Scotia Government Introduces Six Foundational Changes to Policing in the Province

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Government of Nova Scotia, led by Attorney General and Justice Minister Becky Druhan, has announced six foundational changes to improve public safety and policing services in the province. The changes follow a comprehensive policing review conducted by Deloitte Canada, which involved extensive public engagement and input from over 7,000 Nova Scotians. The review's findings and recommendations have been presented in two complementary documents, and the government has committed to implementing these changes to build a stronger system of public safety.

Key Takeaways:

  • The six foundational changes being implemented are establishing a single police records system, adding community safety personnel, ensuring appropriate policing staff levels, establishing community safety boards, augmenting provincial police standards, and introducing a new RCMP billing mechanism for municipalities.
  • The government will work with municipalities to chart a path forward, but has made it clear that the status quo is not an option, and public safety will not be compromised.
  • The Province will also move ahead with strengthening police standards, which every police agency must meet, and will work with those that cannot meet the standards through expansion of the provincial police, currently the RCMP.
  • Changes support safer communities, address key recommendations of the Mass Casualty Commission's final report, and respond to public feedback received through the comprehensive police review.

Statistics:

  • Over 7,000 Nova Scotians took part in the police review through surveys, community sessions, and written submissions.
  • There are 10 municipal police agencies in Nova Scotia, with the RCMP providing policing services to all other areas of the province.
  • Policing services in Nova Scotia are provided by about 1,890 sworn officers and 1,450 civilian personnel.
  • The Province pays $190 million per year for policing services.
  • The current RCMP Provincial Police Service Agreement will expire in 2032.

Sources:

  • "Policing Review Report and Recommendations" by Deloitte Canada
  • "Shaping the Future: Policing in Nova Scotia"
  • Government of Canada regional news The Province
  • Nova Scotia Department of Justice - public safety and security division
  • Nova Scotia Policing Standards
  • https://novascotia.ca/just/Publications/#P

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