Additional officers to be deployed in Corner Brook

Justice Minister and Attorney General Tom Marshall and Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Police Chief Joe Browne today announced that 10 additional officers will be deployed to the Corner Brook Division this year.

Chief Joe Browne and Deputy Chief Bob Johnston are meeting with Minister Marshall in Corner Brook today to discuss policing issues in the city.

"Our Government committed to providing a high level of public protection and this is a concrete example how we are working with the RNC to improve the human and operational resources to ensure the people of this province feel safe and sound in their communities, said Minister Marshall. "Premier Williams and I are very pleased to work with the RNC to provide these additional officers to Corner Brook and we are confident these deployments will enhance law and order in the community."

Minister Marshall said that these additional police officers are the result of the significant investments the Williams government has made in policing over the past two and a half years. "These officers will be hired from the RNC Recruit Training Program announced as part of Budget 2004, as well as the constable positions announced as a part of the $10 million investment in policing announced in Budget 2006," he said.

It was also announced today that the commanding officer in Corner Brook will no longer hold the rank of Inspector but hold the higher rank of a Superintendent which brings greater responsibility.

Chief Browne said, "The deployment of additional constables as well as the new Superintendent in the Corner Brook Division demonstrates that the RNC is committed to providing effective police services to Corner Brook."

The additional officers announced today coincide with the five extra officers previously announced for the Labrador West Division.

"Every Newfoundlander and Labradorian has the right to feel safe in their community and it is our responsibility to ensure that they do. We will continue to advance public protection by making sound law and order investments throughout the province," concluded Minister Marshall.

Media contact: Billy Hickey, Communications (709) 729-6985, 691-6390

2006 06 09                            12:00 p.m.