Premier Announces Appointment of New Chief
of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary

The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced that Deputy Chief Robert Johnston has been appointed Chief of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC). Premier Williams was joined by the Honourable Felix Collins, Minister of Justice and Attorney General.

"Robert Johnston has had an impressive career with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary having served the people of our province for 30 years," said Premier Williams. "Mr. Johnston has played a significant role in the recent revival of the force and I am confident his extensive experience will ensure the RNC continues on its current path which has made it a leader in policing in North America."

Premier Williams also highlighted the strong support the RNC has received in recent years from the Provincial Government which has helped lead the revitalization of the force. Since 2004, the budget of the RNC has increased by approximately $20 million to $46.5 million. Eighty-four new officers have been added to the force including almost 30 officers to combat drugs at a cost of over $3 million. New officers have joined the force and are now trained in Newfoundland and Labrador through the Recruit Training Program between the RNC and Memorial University. New living quarters for officers have been constructed in Labrador through an investment of over $2.5 million. The Provincial Government has also allocated approximately $50 million for the redevelopment of RNC headquarters at Fort Townshend which is currently underway.

"Our government recognized that significant investment into policing in our province was required to ensure the safety of our people and growth of the RNC," said Premier Williams. "Our strategic investments into the force have been unprecedented and the result has been a revitalized RNC which every resident of the province can be proud of. Additions such as new canine units for Corner Brook and St. John's as well as a unit dedicated to investigating the exploitation of children are having a direct impact on the safety of our communities."

"As Mr. Johnston prepares to take over the position of Chief of Police, he can be assured our support of the RNC will continue," said Minister Collins. "I offer him our congratulations on this appointment and wish him well in this new role."

The appointment of Robert Johnston as Chief of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary is effective May 1, 2010.

Video of News Conference (wmv format)

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BACKGROUNDER
Biography

Robert Johnston is a 30-year veteran of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and has worked in the areas of criminal investigations, crisis negotiations, VIP security and tactical response and served most recently as Deputy Chief of Police responsible for the Criminal Operations Division.

Mr. Johnston has completed numerous courses in the areas of criminal investigation at the Canadian Police College in Ottawa. He is also a graduate from the Executive Development Course at the Centre for Management Development at Memorial University of Newfoundland and is a member of both the executive board for the John Howard Society and the board of directors for the Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador.

2010 04 21                                                  11:35 a.m.