Lindell Smith named co-chair of policing review committee
The provincial government has named Deloitte as the external consultant for a review of the policing structure in Nova Scotia, Attorney General and Justice Minister Brad Johns announced Wednesday.
Johns also named the members of the advisory committee, which includes people from the provincial government, police agencies, subject matter experts and equity-deserving groups, including those from faithbased communities, genderbased violence organizations, and newcomers.
Lindell Smith, councillor for Halifax Regional Municipality’s District 8, was named as a cochair of the committee, along with Hayley Crichton of the province’s Justice Department.
The review, which will include broad public engagement, is expected to be completed by April 2025.
The Mass Casualty Commission recommended a 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.
There are 10 municipal police agencies in the province along with the RCMP, with almost 2,000 police officer positions.
“Police officers work in every corner of Nova Scotia, keeping our communities safe. This comprehensive review of policing will help ensure our policing services are structured in a way that is efficient, effective and provide the best service to our communities,” Johns said in a release. “I’d like to thank the police review engagement advisory committee for stepping up and helping to guide this work. Local, diverse voices are crucial to ensuring Nova Scotians are engaged as this review progresses.”
Committee members were selected from nominations put forward by groups, organizations and agencies serving communities across the province.