New RCMP officers deployed

Government�s recently announced 2006 Budget includes a $10 million investment aimed at improving police presence throughout the province and equipping both police forces with the right tools to properly enforce the law. Included in this investment is an allocation for new RCMP officers and after consultation with the RCMP; Justice Minister Tom Marshall today announced the locations of these new deployments.

"Government has a responsibility to ensure people feel safe and secure in their communities and the law and order investments announced in Budget 2006 indicate just how seriously we take that responsibility," said Minister Marshall. "We have listened to the concerns of communities, worked with the RCMP to identify priority areas and are confident these deployments will significantly improve policing in regions throughout the province, especially in our more rural areas."

Deer Lake, Port aux Basques, and Gander will receive two officers each, while Harbour Grace, Grand Falls-Windsor, Holyrood, Corner Brook, Placentia, Clarenville, Bell Island, Stephenville and Roddickton will each receive one officer.

The minister noted that these officers are in addition to deployments to Harbour Grace, Grand Falls-Windsor, Nain and Deer Lake previously announced on budget day. Also announced were public service positions in Forteau and Mary�s Harbour and positions in the Operation Communications Centre in St. John�s.

Minister Marshall said both police forces have struggled due to financial constraints imposed over the past decade and providing the forces with enhanced resources has been a top priority for the Williams Government. "We committed to providing a high level of public protection and we have worked diligently over the past two and a half years to provide both the RNC and RCMP with the human and operational resources required to ensure the people of this province feel safe and sound in their communities," said Minister Marshall. "Not only have we increased public protection, we have also boosted morale within both forces."

"Government will continue to ensure public safety by making sound investments in policing throughout the province," concluded Minister Marshall.

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

2006 04 28                            12:05 p.m.