The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General.
Mr. Speaker, this morning I had to the pleasure to join the Chief of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC), Joe Boland, and the Mayor of the Town of Conception Bay South (CBS), Terry French to announce a new Royal Newfoundland Constabulary detachment for the Town of Conception Bay South.
The RNC plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of residents. This police agency patrols the Northeast Avalon, Corner Brook and parts of Labrador. Mr. Speaker, Conception Bay South is the second largest municipality in Newfoundland and Labrador with more than 26,000 residents. RNC officers spend a lot of time responding to calls in that community. Currently, the closest detachment is 26 kilometres away. This new detachment will ensure timely police response and will better serve the growing population in that area.
Mr. Speaker public trust and community cooperation are crucial in effective law enforcement. Having dedicated resources in the Town of CBS will help further build that trust and ensure public safety. This new detachment will include an inspector, administrative staff, community services, a criminal investigation division, operational patrol services, a police service dog unit, a telephone reporting centre and traffic services.
Mr. Speaker we have heard the concerns of the people of this area and we are happy to work with Chief Boland and the town to move these RNC resources where they are most needed. I would like to thank the Town Council of CBS for their hard work and cooperation in making this initiative possible.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.