The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Justice and Safety, today introduced proposed legislation for the management of law enforcement articles, uniforms, vehicle markings and vehicle equipment. The Law Enforcement Identity Management Act received second reading in the House of Assembly earlier today.
The Act is intended to increase public safety by restricting public access to law enforcement items and paraphernalia, thereby decreasing the likelihood of usage in unlawful activities.
The Act includes:
- Restrictions on the use, possession, sale and fabrication of law enforcement articles, uniforms, markings and vehicle equipment.
- Requirements for law enforcement agencies subject to the Act to have asset management and disposal policies.
- Enforcement procedures and penalties.
Consultations will occur in the comings months to inform regulations of the Act including the process to use enforcement items in dramatic works, as well as possible restrictions on the use of items from other law enforcement agencies (not just police).
This proposed legislation stems from a recommendation of the Mass Casualty Commission report that investigated the April 2020 mass shooting in Nova Scotia where the shooter impersonated an RCMP officer. This was the deadliest mass shooting in Canadian history. Newfoundland and Labrador will be the second province in Canada to introduce this legislation, after Nova Scotia.
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“The 2020 mass shooting in Nova Scotia made clear the danger to the public when someone with unlawful intent impersonates a police officer. While it is already illegal to impersonate a police officer, we know more can be done to stop this behavior. The Law Enforcement Identity Management Act aims to keep law enforcement items out of the hands of people who would use these items to harass or harm others. This proposed legislation would give the RNC and RCMP additional tools to ensure individuals cannot use law enforcement items for the wrong reasons.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Justice and Public Safety
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