To ensure that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians receive the most effective policing service, and to meet the evolving needs of our diverse communities, the Provincial Government is enhancing the delivery of policing in the province.
The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, today announced a $20-million investment in public safety over the next two years.
Part of the $20-million investment will include the establishment of a provincial, 10-member Joint Task Force Unit. The unit will be comprised of RNC and RCMP officers to conduct targeted weapon, drug and contraband enforcement activities. The preliminary focus will be on the Avalon region and the unit will decide the medium and long-term plans, based on crime trends.
This investment also includes:
- Five new RCMP officers for Happy Valley-Goose Bay, as recommended in the public safety review for Happy Valley-Goose Bay, completed by the Policing Transformation Working Group.
- 19 additional officers, starting in 2026-27. These officers will be allocated based on a review of resource requirements, led by the Policing Transformation Working Group.
- An RNC leadership position for the intimate partner violence unit.
- Support for ongoing police training, equipment, fleet, and operational requirements, as required for these initiatives.
In the last five years, the Provincial Government has invested nearly $40 million in additional funding to support RCMP and RNC policing. Budget 2024 allocated 10 new frontline police officers for the RNC, as well as continued funding to address gun and gang activity. It also provided an additional $3 million to support RCMP policing. This builds on the additional $17 million that provided to the RCMP in 2022.
Quotes
“Public safety is paramount to this government. Today’s announcement is a significant step forward to enhancing the delivery of policing in Newfoundland and Labrador. I am pleased to see continued collaboration between the RNC and the RCMP as we work collectively to support the increasing complexity of crime in Newfoundland and Labrador. I look forward to the implementation of the task force and I thank Chief Roche and Assistant Commissioner Cahill for their dedication to public safety and policing across the province.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Justice and Public Safety
“Any investment in public safety is a positive thing for the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. More officers will help us to meet the expectations of those we serve and increase public confidence in policing. I look forward to working with our friends at the RCMP on the creation of this new unit that will focus on tackling some of the most serious threats in our communities. I believe today’s announcement sends a strong message to drug trafficking networks – as a province we will not tolerate harms caused by illegal drugs and firearms.”
Chief Patrick Roche
Chief of Police, Royal Newfoundland and Labrador Constabulary
“We are extremely pleased with today’s announcement by the Department of Justice and Public Safety to commit additional funding to Public Safety in Newfoundland and Labrador. The creation of an RNC/RCMP joint weapon and drug enforcement team for the province will undoubtedly serve this area well in our efforts to combat weapon and drug related crimes. The two provincial police forces working together sharing intelligence and resources will bring positive results. The addition of five new frontline RCMP positions in Happy Valley-Goose Bay will certainly be an asset and well received by the citizens of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, as well as our officers who are currently posted and working there. Additional funding in support of further resources and day-to-day operations is also very encouraging and will assist our abilities to further combat crime throughout the province and keep our communities safe.”
Assistant Commissioner Pat Cahill
Commanding Officer, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Newfoundland and Labrador
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