Significant Justice Priorities Addressed in 2012

Over the past year, the Provincial Government has made significant progress in addressing priorities for justice in the province. Budget 2012: People and Prosperity allocated substantial funding for important justice system initiatives.

“The Provincial Government continually strives to improve services in the justice system,” said the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice. “During the course of the year, considerable strides were made in the department’s three priority areas of public trust and confidence, responsiveness to diverse and unique needs, and public access to justice.”

Since 2004, the Provincial Government has significantly enhanced support for policing services in the province. In 2012, the Provincial Government continued to demonstrate its strong commitment to the province’s police forces and entered into a new 20-year policing services agreement with the Federal Government for Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) services in Newfoundland and Labrador. As a result of the new contract, the province will have more input and control into staffing levels, policing standards and construction of new detachments from now until 2032.

“Our government proudly supports the men and women of the RCMP and the RNC, who work together to deliver a broad range of policing services and to develop and maintain safe communities,” said Minister King. “Under the leadership of Assistant Commissioner Tracy Hardy and RNC Chief Robert Johnston, the RCMP and the RNC continue to foster an excellent working relationship between their respective organizations, and with the Department of Justice.”

Through its continued investment in the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC), the Provincial Government is contributing nearly $33 million towards phase two of the redevelopment of the headquarters in St. John’s at Fort Townshend. The completely redeveloped and expanded headquarters, which will remain at the historic site of the RNC headquarters, will provide appropriate space for the organization and will be completed in the spring of 2013.

As of May 15, 2012, the RNC reported an increase in the percentage of women police officers from 21 per cent in 2011 to 24 per cent in 2012. The RNC continues to increase its number of women police officers through its recruiting efforts. In September 2012, the RNC and the RCMP co-hosted the 50th Annual International Association of Women Police (IAWP) Training Conference in St. John's. This is the first time in the history of the IAWP that this conference was held in Atlantic Canada. Over 700 delegates from 56 countries attended the conference, which the IAWP Board of Directors declared to be the most successful conference to date.
Other key accomplishments and highlights include:

Adult Probation Program
During the past year there were 2,140 community admissions, and adult probation officers completed 840 pre-sentence reports as part of the Adult Probation Program. In April 2011, the Baker Report was released and contained 18 recommendations aimed at improving the well-being of clients and staff of the Adult Probation Program. For example, in order to enhance the safety and security of adult probation offices throughout the province, $150,000 a year for the next four years was allotted in Budget 2012. The implementation of these recommendations remains a significant focus of the Adult Probation Program.

Court Security
The Provincial Court in St. John’s recently implemented a new screening process for visitors to enhance safety at the court through a Provincial Government investment of $300,000. Included in these renovations were the installation of two perimeter screening stations, development of new policies around screening, and the development of regulatory authority to conduct screening and physical searches of the public upon entry. From January to the end of November 2012, approximately 59,000 people were screened upon entering court.

Victim Services
Victim Services provides province-wide assistance from 11 locations across the province, helping individuals who have experienced crime. From January 1 to December 15, 2012, Victim Services in the province opened 5,153 new referrals.

The Family Violence Protection Act was also amended during the year, and a need was identified for additional training for police officers on that legislation. In March 2012, justice staff and RNC members received training from Victims Services representatives with regard to the act. Participants will proceed with training other RNC members in the province.

“I am pleased to acknowledge the significant achievements that were made in 2012 by the Department of Justice and its staff,” said Minister King. “I would like to thank all those who worked hard to continue to improve access to justice for families, children, employees and the public in general.”

- 30 -

Media contact:
Tansy Mundon
Director of Communications
Department of Justice
709-729-6985, 693-1865
tansymundon@gov.nl.ca

2012 12 24                           10:35 a.m.