Veteran Crown attorney appointed to new position

A veteran Crown attorney has been named director of policy development and education with the provincial Public Prosecution Service.

Susan Mackay’s appointment to the new position was announced by the prosecution service Thursday.

Mackay has been based in the prosecution service’s Dartmouth office for the past four years, helping manage the Halifax region. Prior to that, she was a prosecutor for 23 years.

In her new role, Mackay will join several federalprovincial-territorial groups active in criminal law and prosecutions policy development and reform. She will continue to serve as a member of the prosecution service’s management team.

“As laws change and new types of crime emerge, there is an ongoing need to develop and change policies and to continually educate Crown attorneys,” Martin Herschorn, director of the Public Prosecution Service, said in a news release Thursday.

“This position is critical to ensuring the PPS retains its leading edge in the exercise of prosecutorial discretion, and I’m pleased someone with Ms. Mackay’s skills will fill this new role.”

Mackay said she understands how crucial policy is in the delivery of fair and consistent prosecutorial services.

“And as criminal law is constantly evolving, robust continuing legal education is essential,” she said. “I look forward to the challenge of helping ensure PPS Crown attorneys continue to have the support and guidance they need in these areas.”