Significant investments in policing

While Statistics Canada has reported a drop in the number of police officers in this province over the past decade, Justice Minister and Attorney General Tom Marshall said today the numbers do not reflect the contributions the Williams administration have made to policing in the province.

"Statistics Canada is correct in stating that the number of police officers in Newfoundland and Labrador has been reduced over the past 10 years," said Minister Marshall, "This can be attributed to cuts to the number of police officers in both the RNC and RCMP in the mid-nineties by a previous administration."

Minister Marshall said that the Williams government has significantly increased the number of police officers in both forces over the past two years.

"Since taking office, our government has in fact added 17 new RCMP officers throughout the province, including 11 in Labrador," said Minister Marshall. "As a part of the 2006-07 budget process government will again be considering incremental resources for the RCMP."

Minister Marshall continued: "In September of this year, the first graduating class of the RNC training program received their badges. All 28 graduates, 16 female and 12 male have been hired and are currently enforcing law in the province; 26 recruits are enrolled for 2005-06 and will be hired upon competition of the program. Government has committed to another 30 for 2006-07."

"We are committed to providing safe and secure communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador and will continue to ensure public safety by making sound investments in policing," said Minister Marshall.

Media contact: Billy Hickey, Communications, (709) 729-6985, 691-6390

2005 12 16                                       9:30 a.m.