News Releases
Government Home Search Sitemap Contact Us  

NLIS 5
December 6, 2000
(Justice)

 

Government announces three positive initiatives for the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary

Justice Minister and Attorney General Kelvin Parsons announced today the appointment of Richard Deering as the new Chief of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC).

"Chief Superintendent Deering, a Chief Superintendent with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), has an exemplary record, bringing over 30 years of policing experience to his new position," said Minister Parsons. "His detailed career has provided him with a broad range of skill and ability. He has guided the Eastern Division of the Ontario Provincial Police in the transition from a reactive enforcement service to a community oriented police service.

"He currently provides senior executive leadership and direction to approximately 1,000 uniform members and 200 full-time civilian employees in one of the largest and most diverse regions in the province of Ontario," added Minister Parsons. "He is responsible for the safety of the motoring public on 160,000 kilometers of roadway and manages a fleet of 325 vehicles, as well as 15 marine units and 30 snow and all-terrain vehicles."

Chief Superintendent Deering also has an interesting connection with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, in that he both designed and delivered the training program for the force�s Tactical Response Unit at the Ontario Provincial Police Academy.

He will assume the role of Chief of the RNC in early 2001.

"Since becoming Minister of Justice I have learned much about the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary. I have found this force to be innovative, tenacious and dedicated. Members of the constabulary are both professional and caring," said Minister Parsons. "The new chief will take control of a group of professional men and women who care about their history, their community and their future. I trust his pride in this organization will grow to equal theirs and mine."

Minister Parsons also announced that legislation has been amended which will provide binding arbitration to the RNC in the form of final offer selection. "Binding arbitration is a form of dispute resolution widely used in other police jurisdictions across Canada," stated Minister Parsons.

The new legislation will be in place for the upcoming round of collective bargaining negotiations, and the amendment will become effective on July 1, 2001.

Government is also providing the RNC with up to $600,000 for new vehicles and related equipment. This money will be spent during the current fiscal year and is in addition to money already budgeted for the operation of the force.

"The senior officers of the force have stressed the issue of upgrading vehicles and equipment with my department and we are extremely pleased to be able to provide a positive response," said Minister Parsons. "I offer my appreciation on behalf of government to the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary for their hard work, dedication and co-operation. We have a chance to build on this work and to make real progress."

Media contact:

Kathy Dicks-Peyton, Communications, (709) 729-6564
Sgt. Bob Garland, Media Relations, Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, (709) 729-8228.

2000 12 06 12:05 p.m.


SearchHomeBack to GovernmentContact Us


All material copyright the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. No unauthorized copying or redeployment permitted. The Government assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any material deployed on an unauthorized server.
Disclaimer/Copyright/Privacy Statement