NEWS RELEASE

Council maintains integrated police service in Halifax Regional Municipality

(Tuesday, March 2, 2010) - Halifax Regional Municipal Councillors decided this afternoon that HRM will continue to use two police services throughout the municipality, maintaining the status quo. Councillors had been discussing a comprehensive study and recommendation from the Board of Police Commissioners for a unified police service in HRM.

In 2006, Council asked the Police Commission - which includes members of HRM Council, a provincial appointee, and members of the public - to determine an effective, long-term police resourcing strategy within the context and timing of the Provincial Policing Contract regarding the RCMP, which expires in March 2012.

The Police Commission spent three years on the project. In 2008, consultants Perivale and Taylor reviewed existing police services in HRM with a view to identifying alternative models based on service, accountability and cost. Deloitte and Touche validated the cost assumptions and performed a financial analysis of the business cases provided by two policing agencies.

Members of Halifax Regional Council today expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the Board of Police Commissioners for the thoroughness of its efforts to meet Council’s 2006 request.

“Council was presented with detailed, comprehensive information on which to base its decision,” said Mayor Peter Kelly. “After careful consideration, council endorsed the status quo.”

Councillor Russell Walker, Chairman of the Board of Police Commissioners, said the decision affirms Council has confidence in the high quality public service provided by Halifax Regional Police and the RCMP.

“Ultimately, the Police Commission did its work, met Council’s request and the public knows that this municipality has demonstrated full confidence in both of its policing agencies,” said Coun. Walker.

Information regarding the Police Resourcing Study will be posted to www.halifax.ca as it is available. Hard copies will be available in the Office of the Municipal Clerk.

 

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Contact:

Mayor Peter Kelly
Halifax Regional Municipality
(902) 490-4010

Councillor Russell Walker
Chairman, Board of Police Commissioners
497-7215 (cell)
443-8010