The Provincial Government is investing $10,000 to help document the history of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) and the tremendous contribution the organization has made to Newfoundland and Labrador through the creation of a commemorative book.

"The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary has had a presence in our province dating back to 1729 and we, as proud residents of Newfoundland and Labrador, must take measures to honour and protect this tremendous history," said the Honourable Felix Collins, Minister of Justice and Attorney General. "I'm proud to say our government has forged a strong relationship with our provincial police force. Our continued support of policing is evident not only in the addition of new officers and investments in infrastructure, like the redevelopment of RNC Headquarters at Fort Townshend, but also through our commitment to record and tell the story of policing in Newfoundland and Labrador."

The RNC commemorative book complements the Legacy Statue which now stands in Constabulary Court in St. John's. The statue, which depicts a constable in period uniform from the late 1800s, represents the hundreds of years of dedicated and professional service the men and women of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary continue to provide the province.

Minister Collins will address the RNC Historical Society tonight (Wednesday, August 18) at 7:00 p.m. during the society's gala dinner to celebrate the unveiling of the Legacy Statue. The dinner is being held at the Delta Hotel and Conference Centre, New Gower Street, St. John's.

"We are very grateful to our Provincial Government for their support of this important project," said Bill Mahoney, Chair of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Historical Society. "The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary has a long and illustrious history which has not been adequately recorded. The completion of this project will ensure the preservation of this important part of our history for future generations."

Since 2004, the Williams Government has added a total of 141 new positions to both the RNC and Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the total budget for both organizations combined has increased by almost $40 million.

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