HALIFAX,
NS, April 24, 2024 /CNW/ - The following
statement is from the National Police Federation's (NPF) President
and C.E.O., Brian Sauvé, regarding the recent Halifax Regional
Municipality Council decision for additional funding towards the
hiring of six new RCMP Members in the region as part of its 2024/25
budget.
"We appreciate the Halifax Regional Municipality Council's
decision to support the funding of additional police resources in
the region, ensuring the safety and security of the Halifax community.
As recommended by the RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment (HRD),
the Halifax Board of Police
Commissioners, and the NPF, this funding will establish two new
Intimate Partner Violence Investigator positions and four new
General Duty Investigator positions in the 2024/25 fiscal year.
These additional Members will alleviate pressure on current RCMP
Members and maintain high-quality policing services.
Representing approximately 200 RCMP Members in the Halifax
Regional Municipality (HRM), the NPF emphasizes the importance of
this investment in addressing the declining ratio of police
officers to the HRM's population, commonly referred to as the
"cop-to-pop" ratio. Currently, standing at 96.4 officers per
100,000 people, this ratio has been diminishing over the years and
risks reaching a critical level by 2026/27 if funding levels remain
stagnant.
Investing in the RCMP not only enhances public safety but also
provides excellent value for all Nova Scotians. Through the HRM's
contract under the Nova Scotia Provincial Policing Service
Agreement, the City benefits from a 30 percent federal contribution
to the municipality's overall annual RCMP policing costs.
Additionally, the Nova Scotia RCMP
delivers 24 specialized services to the City and Halifax Regional
Police at minimal to no cost, resulting in substantial cost-savings
for residents. In 2022, these services were utilized almost 800
times.
This investment aligns with best practices and recommendations
from recent policing reports, including the Price Waterhouse
Coopers policing transformation report, the Mass Casualty
Commission report, and the HRM's Public Safety Strategy.
The NPF commends the Halifax Regional Municipality Council for
prioritizing public safety and taking proactive measures to address
the evolving needs of the community. We remain committed to working
collaboratively to ensure a safe and secure environment for all
residents of Halifax."
About the National Police
Federation
The National Police Federation (NPF) represents ~20,000 RCMP
Members serving across Canada and
internationally. We are the largest police union in Canada. The NPF is focused on improving public
safety for all Canadians, including our Members, by advocating for
much-needed investment in the public safety continuum. This
includes investments in police resourcing and modern equipment, as
well as social programs including health, addiction, and housing
supports to enhance safety and livability in the many communities
we serve, large and small, across Canada.
SOURCE National Police Federation