Justice
March 24, 2014
Provincial Government Strengthening the Justice System
Budget 2014 Funding to Improve Delivery of Court Security Services
Following an external review commissioned by the Provincial Government in 2013, the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice, today announced that the Sheriff’s Office will receive an additional investment of $6.4 million over the next three years, including $1.7 million this year through Budget 2014. This investment will significantly improve court security across Newfoundland and Labrador.
“The Sheriff’s Office delivers important services to the people of
Newfoundland and Labrador, and this review was the result of a commitment we
made and have followed through with. We have listened to what people had to
say, we gathered expert advice and we are responding accordingly. The
changes announced today will result in a stronger court security program for
everyone who uses our facilities. Our ultimate goal is for a more effective
and efficient organization that provides for a safe and secure environment
for citizens, the judiciary and all court participants.”
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice
The review was conducted by retired RCMP Inspector Leigh DesRoches and contains 16 recommendations, all of which have been accepted by the Provincial Government. The investments announced today will be directed towards increasing staffing at some locations, improving the structure of the organization and enhancing security measures. New point of entry screening stations will be established this year at the Supreme Court Family Division in St. John’s and the Corner Brook Courthouse which contains Provincial and Supreme Courts.
The report is available online at www.justice.gov.nl.ca/just/publications/pdf/sheriffs_office_review_march2014.pdf
“I would like to extend my appreciation to Mr. DesRoches for bringing his
extensive knowledge and experience to the review of the Sheriff’s Office.
This exercise was important as it provided recommendations on how we can
best use the resources available to strengthen the office. We will begin
immediately to make the necessary changes to improve the current structure
of the Sheriff’s Office and to ensure well-organized operations.”
- 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
- An external review of the Sheriff’s Office was conducted by retired RCMP Inspector Leigh DesRoches and contains 16 recommendations, all of which have been accepted by the Provincial Government.
- Through Budget 2014, the Provincial Government is investing $1.7 million in the Sheriff’s Office to be directed toward increasing staffing at some locations, improving the structure of the organization and enhancing security measures.
- New point of entry screening stations will be established this year at Unified Family Court in St. John’s and the Corner Book Courthouse which contains Provincial and Supreme Courts.
- The Sheriff’s Office is primarily responsible for providing administrative and security services to the Supreme and Provincial Courts, administering the jury system and executing orders and decisions of the court.
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Media contact:
Luke Joyce
Director of Communications
Department of Justice
709-729-6985, 725-4165
lukejoyce@gov.nl.ca
2014 03 24 10:50 a.m.