Provincial Government Helping Ensure Communities Remain Safe

Royal Newfoundland Constabulary’s New Headquarters Officially Opened

Today, the Honourable Tom Marshall, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, participated in the official opening of the new Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Provincial Headquarters at Fort Townshend in St. John’s. This new facility has been designed to meet the needs of an evolving police force in its efforts to continue to make communities safe for families and children.

Premier Marshall was joined at the event by the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice, and Chief Robert Johnston of the RNC.

“As a government, we are proud to support and partner with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary to build one of the finest police forces in the world. This new headquarters is just the latest example of our government’s strategic investments in policing in Newfoundland and Labrador and represents the progressive and world class police force it will serve. With additional space and important amenities, the new facility will further enhance the work of the RNC as they continue to keep our families and communities safe.”
-The Honourable Tom Marshall, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

The newly redeveloped headquarters was made possible through a Provincial Government investment of approximately $57.5 million. It includes a secure underground parking structure and firing range, as well as an underground link between the nearby annex and the main headquarters building. The existing gymnasium was converted into office space, and two stories were added to the front of the headquarters. New facilities for female officers have also been added and a daycare will be available in the future.

“The new headquarters will be important to the RNC in meeting its mandate of providing policing services to residents of the province. These renovations take into consideration the historical significance of the site, while providing a working environment suitable to the operations of a modern police force. Amenities such as a daycare and a female locker room also indicate the RNC’s consistent focus on supporting and encouraging women to become police officers.” -
The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice

Since 2004 the Provincial Government has invested approximately $920 million in policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador and the annual policing budget has increased by roughly $50 million.

“Our roots are long and deep here in historic Fort Townshend. This place became our permanent home in 1871 with the removal of the British Garrison and much has changed since then. This complex represents a provincial police service policing the Northeast Avalon, Western Labrador and Corner Brook. It will mean an improved response as we partner with our community stakeholders and build on our commitment of Safer Communities Through Policing Excellence.”
- Robert Johnston, Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Chief of Police

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

• Fort Townshend has been home to the RNC since 1871. This new facility was made possible through a Provincial Government investment of approximately $57.5 million.
• 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.
• In 1980, the first female RNC officers were sworn in. Today, approximately 25 per cent of officers are women and 40 per cent of those recruited in recent years have also been women.

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2014 02 12                                        11:40 a.m.