Emerging trends and issues have put a spotlight on public safety in the Happy Valley-Goose Bay area. The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, has requested the assistance of the Policing Transformation Working Group to ensure public safety measures, including policing services, are meeting the needs of community members in and around the Happy Valley-Goose Bay area.
The Working Group will undertake a review of existing public safety measures in the area and engage with key stakeholders to gather insights to inform actionable recommendations. To further inform the review, input from community members is welcomed regarding opportunities to improve public safety.
Submissions will be received at policingtransformation@gov.nl.ca or by mail:
Policing Transformation Working Group
Department of Justice and Public Safety
4th Floor, Confederation Building (East Block)
P.O. Box 8700
St. John’s, NL A1B 4J6
The deadline for submission is Friday, September 13, 2024.
As part of the review, the Working Group will develop recommendations to improve public safety and enhance community well-being. The voices of community leaders will form an important part of the work being undertaken.
In November 2023, the Department of Justice and Public Safety announced the establishment of the Policing Transformation Working Group to guide the future of policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador. The working group has been evaluating the province’s current policing model, researching best practices from other jurisdictions, and engaging with key stakeholders, such as municipalities and community organizations, about policing services and community safety.
While provincial police services operate independently from the Provincial Government, the Minister of Justice and Public Safety maintains responsibility and authority for the administration of justice within the province. Budget 2024 contains over $165 million for policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Quotes
“Public safety is an important fabric of our society. Our government is looking to engage the community and residents on a more proactive approach to public safety in the Happy Valley-Goose Bay area. Guided by the Policing Transformation Working Group, this dedicated focus will allow for a more thorough analysis of policing in the area. We are also inviting area residents to submit feedback to help inform the Working Group, with the goal of possible recommendations and improvements in the weeks ahead.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Justice and Public Safety
“The RCMP and our dedicated team of police officers and public service employees work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of the residents and community of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. We have had focused discussions with the Department of Justice and Public Safety and the Policing Transformation Working Group on policing in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and the unique challenges of policing in northern locations. We recommended that the Working Group closely examine policing resources and needs in the area and we look forward to our collaboration and informing the work ahead.”
Assistant Commissioner Pat Cahill
Commanding Officer, RCMP Newfoundland and Labrador
“The opportunity for the people of Lake Melville to contact directly with the Policing Transformation Working Group, is much appreciated. I look forward to constructive suggestions on keeping all members of the public safe in our community.”
Perry Trimper
MHA for Lake Melville and Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier
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