Over the last few weeks, as my first full year as Commanding Officer of the Nova Scotia RCMP came to a close, I’ve been reflecting on some of the highlights in 2023 and what awaits in 2024.

In 2023, we welcomed the results of the Mass Casualty Commission’s (MCC) extensive inquiry into the April 2020 mass casualty, advanced thousands of investigations, hired a record number of experienced police officers, welcomed new cadets, and began talking in earnest with African Nova Scotians and people of African descent about addressing the harm caused by our historical use of street checks and other interactions that have had a negative impact on the community.

Mass Casualty Commission report
Early in 2023, we received the MCC’s final report on the April 2020 mass casualty. We were anxious to learn whether the work we had under way to strengthen our response to critical incidents, our collaboration with partners, and our service to communities, would align with the recommendations and vision for the future of public safety.

Having studied the MCC’s full report and its recommendations, I’m confident in the RCMP’s collective and continuing efforts, together with many stakeholders, to address the report. I believe this work will strengthen the safety and wellbeing of Nova Scotians and of all Canadians.

Operational policing
The Nova Scotia RCMP received more than 137,000 calls in 2023, many of which involved heartbreaking circumstances we cannot address through an investigation; sometimes our investigations are not enough to bring comfort, charges or change.

Our teams laid charges for many violent offences, including sexual assault, human trafficking and homicide, and our Federal Serious and Organized Crime team laid charges in local and international drug trafficking investigations. But together with others, through our day-to-day work, we aim to achieve better outcomes for all.

In 2024, I will be using every opportunity to advocate for a coordinated, interdisciplinary approach to public safety that incorporates policing, health, social programming and community supports and services.

Resourcing and recruitment
We experienced significant resourcing challenges in 2023 (not unlike many police services in this province and across Canada) that affected employees. To help address those challenges, we renewed our focus on wellness and recruitment, hiring 34 experienced police officers and welcoming 26 cadets. Recruitment will remain a priority in 2024.

Working with community
This past year, a number of African Nova Scotian community members thankfully agreed to work with us to help address the harm caused by our historical use of street checks and other interactions that have had a negative impact on the community. With their guidance, we had many difficult and hopeful conversations with community members across the province. We discussed individuals’ experiences with police and the actions we need to take to do better, including a formal apology. This too will be a priority in 2024.

As the RCMP continues its Reconciliation journey, here in Nova Scotia, we will continue to strengthen relations with Mi’kmaw communities in 2024, work with justice and police partners to promote public safety, and focus on increasing the recruitment of Mi’kmaw people into all categories of the RCMP.

Much of what we do involves working with others, whether survivors, victims, witnesses, community members, policing partners, community organizations or provincial partners. And in 2024, this emphasis on “stronger together” will continue. I believe this is how we will best serve our communities across the province now and in the coming years.

With today, January 9, being National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, I ask you to remember that every day, Nova Scotia RCMP employees are working to prevent and investigate crime, protect national security, offer vital operational assistance to partner agencies, and provide support to those we serve.

We have deep personal, family and social connections across the province, and take pride in our service. When you see our dedicated employees in your community, remember a kind wave or smile could make their day.

On behalf of all of our employees, I wish you a safe, happy and healthy 2024.

A/Commr. Dennis Daley
Commanding Officer
Nova Scotia RCMP

-via RCMP