Have an Opinion About Policing in NS?
Nova Scotians are asked to share their opinions and perspectives about the current state of policing in the province, as well as their vision of what policing should look like in the future.
The Department of Justice has launched an anonymous survey as part of the Province’s comprehensive review of policing services. Submissions will be accepted until July 31.
“Nova Scotians deserve to have their say about how this important service is delivered in our communities,” said Attorney General and Justice Minister Barbara Adams. “I hope as many people as possible take a moment to share their experiences and ideas with us so we can create a law enforcement system that is responsive and meets the needs of the people it serves.”
The survey is available at: http://surveys.novascotia.ca/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=87LH8n763 . If people have any questions or require assistance to complete the survey, they can email policingreviewsurvey@novascotia.ca or phone 902-424-0094.
There will be in-person public engagement later this summer and into the fall, informed by an advisory committee that includes representatives from government, law enforcement agencies and non-profit organizations, as well as the Indigenous, African Nova Scotian and newcomer communities.
The policing review is expected to be completed by the spring of 2025.
Quotes:
“The voices of Nova Scotians are essential to this review. Participating in this survey gives the public the opportunity to have a direct impact on the way policing services are delivered across our province. It will help ensure that our policing services are aligned with the expectations and needs of the people they serve.”
— Lindell Smith, co-Chair, Nova Scotia Policing Review Engagement Advisory Committee
Quick Facts:
- consultant Deloitte is completing the technical aspects of the review
- engagement advisory committee members were selected from nominations put forward by groups, organizations and agencies serving communities across the province
- the review includes engaging with law enforcement and justice partners across the province to understand current policing services, gaps and opportunities
- there are currently 11 police agencies in Nova Scotia – 10 municipal police agencies and the RCMP serving as the provincial police agency – with almost 2,000 police officer positions
- the final report of the Mass Casualty Commission recommended a multi-sectoral council be established to review the structure of policing in Nova Scotia and make recommendations that can be implemented before the 2032 expiration of the Provincial Police Services Agreement (Recommendation P.67)
Additional Resources:
Policing review engagement website: https://novascotia.ca/policing-review-engagement/
News release – Province to Conduct Comprehensive Policing Review: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2023/09/29/province-conduct-comprehensive-policing-review
News release – Comprehensive Policing Review Update: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2024/03/13/comprehensive-policing-review-update
Turning the Tide Together – Final Report of the Mass Casualty Commission: https://masscasualtycommission.ca/final-report
Directory of police agencies in Nova Scotia: https://novascotia.ca/just/policing_services/agencies.asp
