A new Special Constable pilot initiative is being launched by the Provincial Government to support the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) and its work on the Northeast Avalon.
Through this new pilot initiative, Special Constables will be hired by the RNC to perform low risk duties allowing front line officers to better use their full range of expertise. Duties include non-core police functions such as supervising detained individuals, guarding crime scenes, traffic control, and assisting with administrative duties.
The RNC Special Constables will undergo a comprehensive 10-week training program, including six weeks of in-class training delivered by the Atlantic Police Academy, followed by four weeks of on-the-job training with the RNC. Approximately 10 to 12 Special Constables will then be assigned to platoons in the Northeast Avalon region. Recruitment will begin this Fall and training will be delivered in Winter 2026.
In 2023, the Provincial Government established a Policing Transformation Working Group to evaluate the province’s current policing model, engage the public, and provide ongoing advice to ensure residents receive the most effective and efficient policing services possible. Through extensive consultations, the group heard directly from the public, community organizations, municipalities and police officers.
A key theme that emerged was the need to allow frontline officers to concentrate on core policing functions that require their full expertise and training. This new pilot was developed in response to the feedback received through the consultations, recognizing that a significant portion of police work involves tasks that can be performed by individuals who are not fully sworn police officers.
In addition to this new pilot, the Provincial Government provides over $180 million annually for policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Budget 2025 includes over $50 million for new initiatives for the Department of Justice and Public Safety, including five new RCMP officers in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and 10 new RNC officers for the Northeast Avalon. Starting in 2026-27, an additional 19 police officers will be hired. Budget 2025 also includes support for the establishment of a new eastern region joint-task force unit comprised of RNC and RCMP officers to target weapon, drug, and contraband enforcement and critical incident response activities to complement the work of the joint-task force unit for the western region.
Quotes
“This new policing initiative will help improve public safety while, at the same time, support our valued police officers to use their specialized training and expertise on core policing functions. It is a reflection of the priorities that were communicated through engagement with individuals and organizations through the Policing Transformation Working Group and it is another step towards modernizing policing in our province, making the best use of our resources, and keeping our communities safe.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“We are delighted to introduce this new public safety initiative which will allow the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary to focus on more complex and high-priority policing tasks. I look forward to seeing the first Special Constables working with RNC officers in the Spring.”
Honourable Dr. John Haggie
Minister of Justice and Public Safety
“Introducing Special Constables strengthens our commitment to community safety and demonstrates our willingness to adapt to meet the needs of the public. Adding special constables supports the overall team, ensuring sworn officers are better able to focus on what they do best. With healthy and supported people, we will be better positioned to help the communities and residents we serve.”
Chief Patrick R. Roche
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
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