New Law Enforcement Unit Making Communities Safer for Families and Children

Government Officially Launches Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit

The Provincial Government today officially launched its new law enforcement unit to strengthen the fight against child exploitation, illegal drugs and organized crime. The unit’s official name is the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit – Newfoundland Labrador (CFSEU-NL). The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice, was joined by representatives from the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) at the launch in Gander.

“The launch of this special unit is a testament to our fresh approach to ensuring the security of communities in Newfoundland and Labrador, and we want those involved in crime to know that they are not welcome in this province. Adopting new methods to fight crime by bringing various elements of the RNC and RCMP enforcement together in a collaborative effort has already led to significant results.”
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice

Tackling child exploitation, organized crime and drug trafficking is a priority of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Since an investment of $1 million was announced in March 2013, members of the CFSEU-NL have been working diligently to identify emerging threats that challenge the security of communities in this province. To date, the unit has worked on a child exploitation case that led to the arrests of 22 individuals, as well as several drug-related matters that also led to arrests.

“The CFSEU-NL is a cohesive group of dedicated men and women from both the RNC and RCMP who work tirelessly to ensure safer communities for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. This will be accomplished by disrupting serious and organized crime through investigative excellence and intelligence-led, integrated policing.”
- RCMP Assistant Commissioner and Commanding Officer Tracy Hardy

The CFSEU-NL consists of crime analysts, investigators, computer forensic specialists, and other specialized members of both the RNC and the RCMP. The unit is partnering on cases with other law enforcement agencies in the province and soon will be working from its own dedicated facility to investigate serious crimes. RCMP Superintendent William Malone has been appointed as the officer in charge of the unit while RNC Staff Sergeant Joe Gullage is second-in-command.

“The officers from the RCMP and RNC dedicated to CFSEU-NL and the $1 million investment by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador ensures we will be more efficient and effective in combatting organized crime and child exploitation in this province. The CFSEU-NL builds on our vision of Safer Communities through Policing Excellence.”
- RNC Chief of Police Robert Johnston

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.

QUICK FACTS

• Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future allotted $1 million for the creation of a new provincial law enforcement unit on child exploitation, organized crime and drugs.
• The unit began work in June 2013 with Operation Snapshot 2, a project in Atlantic Canada which targeted those involved in child sexual abuse image networks. The project resulted in the arrest of 22 men on various child pornography charges, nine of whom were in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Since 2004, approximately $920 million has been invested in policing services and more than 140 additional frontline police officers have been deployed throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

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2013 11 06                 9:25 a.m.