Continued Investments in Policing Make Communities Safer for Families and Children

Minister Responds to Inaccurate Information Presented in the House of Assembly

The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice, reaffirmed the Provincial Government’s commitment today to ensuring safe communities in which residents can work, live and raise a family. He was responding to inaccurate statements made by the member for St. John’s Centre related to policing services in Conception Bay North.

“No town council has approached me with concerns around policing in Conception Bay North and any assertion that there is a lack of policing services in the region due to budget cuts is simply not true. In response to the issues raised today, my officials reached out to the RCMP and have been advised that resourcing in Conception Bay North has not changed. The RCMP is responsible for the allocation of their resources throughout the province and if any region is experiencing challenges, I have assured both police forces that my door is always open. The safety of our communities remains of paramount importance to this government.”
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice

Since 2004, the Provincial Government has invested approximately $920 million in policing services in the province and has added more than 140 new police officers. The annual policing budget has increased by approximately $50 million over that same time period. The province’s commitment to policing services was reinforced last week with the official launch of the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit-Newfoundland and Labrador.

“The member’s claim that 55 RCMP positions were cut as a result of the budget is simply inaccurate. Reductions as a result of Budget 2013 primarily focused on administrative functions with the intention to keep frontline policing services intact. I continue to be assured of that by RCMP Assistant Commissioner Tracy Hardy.”
- Minister King

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

• Police resources in the Conception Bay North region have not changed due to Budget 2013.
• 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.
• The annual policing budget has increased by approximately $50 million since 2004.

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Media contact:
Luke Joyce
Director of Communications
Department of Justice
709-729-6985, 725-4165
lukejoyce@gov.nl.ca 

2013 11 14             6:00 p.m.