New Provincial Task Force to Make Communities Safer

With an investment of $1 million through Budget 2013, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is creating a new Task Force on Child Exploitation and Drugs. The team will be a joint effort between the RCMP and the RNC and will strengthen the fight against child exploitation, illegal drugs and organized crime. The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, made the announcement today at the Rotary Paradise Youth and Community Centre in Paradise. The Premier was joined at the event by the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice, RNC Chief of Police, Robert Johnston, and RCMP Assistant Commissioner and Commanding Officer, RCMP B Division - NL, Tracy Hardy.

“Ensuring that our communities are safe for families and children is a key priority for this government and the creation of a Task Force on Child Exploitation and Drugs is a significant accomplishment,” said Premier Dunderdale. “The RCMP and the RNC are breaking new ground and building upon an era of unparalleled collaboration between our two police services. Crime today knows no boundaries and this fresh approach to dealing with serious incidents demonstrates our continued commitment to dealing with the criminal element in all regions of Newfoundland and Labrador. We continue to look for innovative and effective ways to improve all aspects of our justice system and this initiative builds upon that goal.”

A framework has been established for the task force and specific details will be announced once the formal structure is in place. The team will consist of crime analysts, investigators, computer forensic specialists and other specialized members of both police services.

“The province is evolving, and with that, crime is becoming more complex and sophisticated,” said Minister King. “As it operates from its own dedicated facility, a key strength of the task force will lie in the ability to combine the considerable expertise and experience of the RCMP and the RNC. Additional resources from the broader enforcement and social services community will also be brought in when needed.”

There have been significant investments in recent years in both of the province’s police services. Last year the province increased funding for the RNC Internet Child Exploitation Unit and the new RNC headquarters at Fort Townsend is expected to open in the coming months.

“Individuals involved in exploiting our youth do not adhere to jurisdictions, provinces or borders,” said RNC Chief Robert Johnston. “The creation of this new provincial enforcement team will enhance our ability to provide safer communities through policing excellence.”

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador also recently entered into a new 20-year agreement with the RCMP that will see the police service continue its valuable work throughout all regions of the province until at least 2032.

“Tackling serious and organized crime is one of the Newfoundland and Labrador RCMP's strategic priorities,” said RCMP Assistant Commissioner and Commanding Officer Tracy Hardy. “The coordinated expertise of combined police resources, working with other enforcement and social services, will have a significant impact on the reduction of crime in our communities.”

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2013 03 22                             9:45 a.m.