News Release
Policing Study Gives High Marks to HRP, RCMP
(Tuesday, August 27/2002)-- Results of a recent Policing Services Review by the consulting firm Perivale + Taylor gave high marks to the Halifax Regional Police and members of the Halifax Detachment of the RCMP.
The firm was hired by Halifax Regional Municipality to help determine the best way to accommodate the public's need for efficient, effective and economical police service delivery in the region. The consultants made a presentation to Mayor Peter Kelly and Regional Councillors at this afternoon's Committee of the Whole meeting.
The review found both police services to be highly competent and service driven. It also found both HRP and RCMP to be cost-effective, and that all employees were recognized as being "highly responsive to client needs, professional and dedicated."
George McLellan, Chief Administrative Officer, stressed that the intent of the study was not to select a single police service for HRM, but to identify ways to better serve the public with the municipality's two-service delivery model (which is unique in Canada), both economically and efficiently.
Although a number of the recommended actions have already been put in place, Mr. McLellan said the 290-page study suggested a number of areas where consultants believe Halifax Regional Police and the RCMP can better work together and provide enhanced policing services to the residents of HRM.
The CAO said "Everything from a combined K-9 Unit and Cold Squad to better information-sharing through technology is up for discussion and consideration. There may be some practical obstacles to many of the recommendations, but HRM and both police services are committed to finding the better ways to serve our community."
Deputy Chief Bob Barss, of the Halifax Regional Police, said ""Both police services already have a high level of community approval as revealed in recent polls. The recommendations found in this study will help to further improve the effectiveness and efficiency of service to distinguished levels."
Superintendent Stan Ferguson, Officer-in-Charge of the Halifax Detachment of RCMP, said "The Members, staff, and volunteers at Halifax Detachment look forward to embracing all efforts to ensure the best quality of policing for the people of the HRM. Our service delivery, in tandem with Halifax Regional Police, is client focused and any enhancements merely fulfill the desire of both police agencies.
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Sergeant Don Spicer
Halifax Regional Police, Media Relations
(902) 490-5397
Constable Peter Marshall
Media Relations Officer, Halifax Detachment RCMP
(902) 869-5079 (cell) 229-6523
John O'Brien
HRM Corporate Communications Officer
(902) 490-6531
