RCMP H Division 2015 Year in Review

Table of contents

• Message from Commanding Officer
• Officer in Charge of Criminal Operations
• National strategic priorities
• Provincial Policing priorities
• Highlights from Halifax District
• Highlights from Northeast Nova District
• Highlights from Southwest Nova District
• Major Investigations
• Federal Policing
• Have you seen Jane Doe?
• Operational Support Services
• RCMP participate in Exercise Frontier Sentinel
• Administration and Personnel
• Behind the scenes
• Keeping you in the loop
• #ThrowbackThursday campaign
• Thank you for your kind words…

Etched in stone on the granite memorial wall of the Nova Scotia RCMP Headquarters are the names of those Nova Scotia RCMP members who left us too soon. This is a solemn and constant reminder of those who lost their lives in the line of duty.

In front of the wall, the bronze statue of a lone member with his head bowed to show his remembrance and grief. His stetson and gloves at his feet signify they belonged to a member who is no longer able to wear them and is not with us physically; however remains with us in mind and in spirit.

Message from Commanding Officer

As Commanding Officer for Nova Scotia's Provincial Police, I want to thank you for your continued support of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

Throughout the year, the Nova Scotia RCMP has witnessed your kindness and words of encouragement as we have made arrests in a number of high profile incidents and I cannot say thank you enough. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to share some of them with those reading this report.

Over the past year, the RCMP has spent considerable time focusing our efforts on expanding crime reduction initiatives. Of particular note is the expansion of ComStat, a system to review and analyze local crime data, across the province. ComStat is a key tool for the RCMP to further enhance our focused and strategic enforcement and education plans targeting the people, places and issues that are compromising the safety of our neighbourhoods.

Policing continues to evolve. Increasingly we are addressing threats that come from outside our province involving criminals from abroad who attempt to traffic drugs and other contraband through Nova Scotia. This was evidenced during Operation Harrington, which began as a drug investigation that uncovered eight conspiracies to import cocaine into Canada from a number of countries including Antigua, Brazil, Colombia, Guyana and the United States. You can read more about the success of Operation Harrington and the work of our federal policing investigators here in Nova Scotia in the Major Investigations section of this document.

We also continued to work closely with our partners this year including members of our First Nation communities, Police Advisory Boards and other government departments, to name a few. One notable example was the RCMP's largest participation to date in Exercise Frontier Sentinel. Based in Yarmouth, the RCMP spent a year of planning alongside our partners at the Canadian Armed Forces to complete a week-long scenario to evaluate and enhance capabilities in response to threats to North American security. The scenarios were complex, challenging and tested the skills and abilities of our officers. This type of training ensures that the RCMP, as your Provincial Police, has the training and the resources available to respond to threats that arise.

I hope that by reading this document you will see how the RCMP is making a difference in your community. It is by working together that we continue to improve the safety and security of our neighbourhoods and make Nova Scotia one of the most desirable places to live in Canada.

Wi'katikn peji-apu'kwetoq Nikanus

Ni'n nujeyaqik Nuji-kla'qa'lua'tijik, ketu' kinua'tuloq ta'n tetuji wula'liek ne'kaw apoqnmoqik Kanata-ewe'k Nuji-kla'qa'lua'tijik (RCMP).

Ula newtipunqek, Nuji-kla'qa'lua'tijik nemitu'tij tetuji wulite'lmuj ke'sk pem-lukuti'tij, pijo'la'tij o'pla'taqatijik aqq ketu' kinua'tekey ta'n tetuji wula'liek. Ketu' wsku'tmann kijka' ula wi'katikn-iktuk.

Ula newtipunqek, Nuji-kla'qa'lua'tijik atiknetmi'tit kis-pukua'tunew ta'n tel-maliaptasik o'pla'tekemk wutanl. Nkutey ComStat, pem-pikwel-we'wasik Nopa Sko'sia. ComStat na ta'n teli-iloqaptasik piskwa'q kinua'taqn teli- o'pla'tekemk wutanl. Nuji-kla'qa'lua'tijik ewe'wmi'tij ComStat kulaman kisite'taq wije'titij ekina'muemk wjit wenik kulaman kisi-apoqntaq tel-jikla'tumk nesana'q wutank.

Nuji-kla'qa'lua'timk ne'kaw pem-pilua'sik. Nike' pemi-ajelk maliaptmek winjik koqoey aqq wini-mpisun piskwa'q eymu'k, aqq elt wenik ta'n pisko'tu'tij.

Operation Harrington na tela'sikip. Operation Harrington na weji-panuijkatmumkip ta'n wini-mpisun tel-piskwa'q, elmi-kespiaq kisi-panuijkatmumkl ukmuljin te'sikl kima'taqatimkl kisi-piskwo'tunew Kanata cocaine aqq ktikl wini-mpisunn wejiaql se'k nkutey Antigua, Brazil, Colombia, Guyana aqq Pastunkewa'kik. Kis-kittesk ta'n tel-wula'siksip Operation Harrington aqq piluey lukwaqnn Nuji-kla'qa'lua'tijik kisa'tu'tij No'pa Sko'sia, ewikasik ta'n tett wesku'tasikl ula wi'katikn-iktuk ta'n kisi-panuijkatmumkl.

Maw-lukutiekik mawkwa'tiekik wenik newtipunqek nkutey wenik tleyawyultijik L'nue'kati'l, nuji-ilumua'tijik aqq pilue'k wenik etl-lukutijik kaplno'lewiktuk. Newte'jk keknue'k kisa'tuek mawlukutimk na Nuji-kla'qa'lua'tijik tel-lukutipnik Exercise Frontier Sentinel. Kespukwitk etl-lukutimkip, newtipunqek Nuji-kla'qa'lua'tijik aqq maw-lukuti'tipnik Kanata-ewe'k Sma'knisk kisutmnew newte'jk ekntie'wimk elukutimk teli-pkijiaq lukwaqn wjinu'kwatmnew aqq ila'tunew teli-westawik anko'tmumk North America. Lukwaqnn metue'ksipn kulaman kjijituten telaskma'tijik Nuji-kla'qa'lua'tijik ta'n maliaptmi'tij ula koqoey. Ula ekina'msimk nuta'q kulaman tepaskma'titaq Nuji-kla'qa'lua'tijik kis-maliaptmnew nesana'q koqoey.

Ajipjutm elmiaq kis-kitmn ula wi'katikn kjijittisk ta'n Nuji-kla'qa'lua'tijik teli-atikneta'jik wuli-anko'tmnew wutanminal. Maw-lukutimk wejiaq ta'n tl-wla'sitew teli-anko'tmumk aqq teli-westawikl wutanl kulaman ne'kaw wulkaqnitew wikimk Nopa Sko'sia aqq Kanata.

Officer in Charge of Criminal Operations

I have been fortunate to be part of the Nova Scotia RCMP team, especially over this last year. I have witnessed the amazing work that our men and women perform daily to ensure the safety of all those in this beautiful province. Their contribution and efforts have extended beyond both our provincial and Canadian borders. It is their relentless determination, initiative and innovation that makes me proud to be part of Nova Scotia's Provincial Police.

It is also the spirit of cooperation and collaboration with our stakeholders, First Nation communities, municipal, provincial and federal partners and numerous volunteers that has allowed us to succeed. To all those who have played a role in the success of policing in Nova Scotia, and to the families that have supported you, I extend a heartfelt thank you.

National strategic priorities

As Canada's national police force, the RCMP is committed to ensuring the safety of our country from threats domestically and abroad. To accomplish this, the RCMP identifies national strategic priorities that guide the focus of our criminal investigations. Some of these priorities are intended to support key groups in our society and to build and grow relationships with those groups. During 2015, the priorities were: Serious and Organized Crime, Youth, National Security, Aboriginal Communities and Economic Integrity.

Serious and Organized Crime

Various forms of illegal activity are undertaken by organized crime groups with one goal in mind: to make money at any cost. Nova Scotians may not recognize the daily impact of organized crime, however it is reflected through things such as increases in your taxes when tax revenue is lost from contraband tobacco and alcohol. Car insurance premiums are also higher due to vehicle theft by organized crime rings, and banking fees are charged to recover fraud costs. Even your health and safety are impacted as a result of drug-related violence and faulty counterfeit goods.

Using an intelligence-led, integrated approach, the RCMP is focusing its activities on reducing the threat and impact of organized crime. In fulfilling its mandate, the RCMP works closely with domestic and international partners in an effort to dismantle criminal groups.

Youth

Our objective in working with Nova Scotia's youth is to reduce their involvement in crime and focus on risk factors through prevention and early intervention. The RCMP believes that the long-term prevention of youth crime and victimization can only be accomplished in partnership with the community. Across the province, School Safety Resource and Community Policing/Crime Prevention Officers work closely with schools, community groups, and all levels of government to develop and implement programs that are proven successful in reducing youth involvement in criminal activity.

National security

The greatest threat to our national security is the risk of terrorist activity in Canada and abroad. The RCMP's role is to prevent, detect and respond to this criminal activity. We need to have outreach and awareness at all levels of policing with communities and partners, along with strategic analysis, information/intelligence sharing, enforcement and prevention. Our investigative successes are largely determined by our flexibility, leadership and collaboration with foreign and domestic law enforcement partners.

Aboriginal communities

The RCMP has a long and productive history of service to First Nations across the country and here in Nova Scotia. Throughout our province the RCMP is responsible for day-to-day policing in 12 First Nation communities: Indian Brook, Millbrook, Acadia, Annapolis, Bear River, Paq'tnkek, Potlotek, Eskasoni, Pictou Landing, Wagmatcook, Waycobah, and Glooscap. The RCMP is contributing to safer First Nation communities through crime prevention, ongoing social development, maintaining and strengthening partnerships with Aboriginal communities, policing and government partners, stakeholders and Aboriginal organizations. Our officers continue to demonstrate value through the development, management and evaluation of detachment plans created in collaboration with the local Aboriginal communities.

Economic integrity

The types of crimes driven by the motivation to make money are extensive and not victim-less. Illegal economic activity diverts funds away from hard-working Nova Scotians. The RCMP is focusing on preventing, detecting and deterring crimes that affect the province and the overall Canadian economy. Enhancing public awareness of the methods to reduce and prevent economic crime will also enhance citizens' confidence in the monetary, financial and market systems. The more we share information with our partners and cooperate with enforcement units at the municipal, national and international level, the more we reduce opportunity for criminal activity throughout Canada.

Provincial Policing priorities

Each year, the Nova Scotia Department of Justice and RCMP work together to identify areas of public safety that require a strategic, targeted focus. The RCMP works to address each area through enforcement efforts, innovative public safety programs and effective education on preventing crime. In 2015, the Provincial Policing priorities were Crime Reduction, Cybercrime and Road Safety.

Crime reduction

Reducing crime and contributing to the overall safety of Nova Scotia communities remained a priority focus for the RCMP in 2015. One important way we contribute to safer communities is through the use of ComStat, which is the cornerstone of the RCMP's Crime Reduction Strategy. ComStat is a forum we use to review and analyze local crime data. The data allows police to formulate a focused and strategic plan to address the people, places and issues that are compromising the safety of our neighbourhoods.

It combines data analysis, strategic problem solving and rigorous accountability to help reduce crime in the areas we police. We spend a lot of time gathering intelligence, working within our communities and conducting enforcement to identify and resolve the biggest public safety issues.

This system has already seen success in Halifax District and in 2015, the RCMP started to expand the model to Northeast Nova and Southwest Nova Districts.

Cybercrime

Cybercrime continues to be a priority area for the RCMP. The RCMP interprets cybercrime to be any crime where the Internet and information technologies, such as computers, tablets, personal digital assistants or mobile devices – has a substantial role in the commission of a criminal offence. Under this broad lens, the RCMP breaks cybercrime into two categories: technology-as-target - criminal offences targeting computers and other information technologies, such as those involving the unauthorized use of computers or mischief in relation to data, and technology-as-instrument - criminal offences where the Internet and information technologies are instrumental in the commission of a crime such as those involving fraud, identity theft, intellectual property infringements, money laundering, drug trafficking, human trafficking, organized crime or terrorist activities, child sexual exploitation or cyber bullying.

Most investigations today involve some sort of technology and the Nova Scotia RCMP's Technological Crime Unit collects evidence through the search, seizure and analysis of computers and mobile devices. It is also the only unit in the province able to recover active and deleted data from technological devices. Throughout 2015, the Technological Crime Unit processed approximately 650 mobile devices and 250 computers. Mobile devices can take multiple days to process and computers can take weeks in some instances so these types of investigations can be extremely complex and time consuming.

The RCMP is addressing the issue of cybercrime through a variety of other investigative avenues as well.

The RCMP Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE) had significant success in 2015 through the use of an online undercover program. Investigators created covert social media accounts to locate and identify online predators from around the world. ICE investigations have no borders making them extremely complicated, however investigators were able to lay a variety of charges related to Child Pornography, Luring, Child Extortion and Sexual Assault.

During the fall of 2015, Nova Scotia RCMP also established a Youth Cybercrime Awareness Committee (Y-CAC). The first of its kind, the committee is comprised of 14 energetic youth between the ages of 14 and 17 who work closely with their School Safety Resource Officers to share their expertise on technology. Throughout 2016, this group will serve as a support network on topics pertaining to cyber initiatives and provide information from a youth perspective.

Road safety

In an effort to keep our roadways safe in 2015, RCMP Traffic Services in Nova Scotia and local detachments focused on the primary causal factors of fatal and serious injury from motor vehicle collisions: impaired driving, not wearing a seatbelt, speeding/aggressive driving and driver inattention/distraction.

Fatal collisions continue to decline

An integrated road safety approach, which includes targeted enforcement, educating motorists and partnership opportunities has contributed to safer roadways in Nova Scotia. In 2015, 37 fatal collisions occurred on roadways policed by the RCMP while in 2014, there were 43 fatal motor vehicle collisions. These two years represent a significant decline from 2012 and 2013 respectively, when 63 fatal collisions occurred each year on roadways policed by the RCMP. While the 2014 and 2015 declines are encouraging, we will continue to focus our efforts on making roads safer and ask motorists to do their part by exhibiting safe driving behaviour.

Impaired driving – Not worth the risk

Throughout 2015, RCMP charged 1,048 people with Impaired Driving and an additional 84 people for Operating a Motor Vehicle while Impaired by Drug. RCMP also issued 561 administrative suspensions which is when drivers lose their license from anywhere between 24 hours to 30 days. A 24 hour suspension is given when a newly licensed driver has a blood alcohol content between 1 to 49 mg %. Seven to 30 day suspensions are given when a driver's blood alcohol content is between 50-79 mg %.

"It's very alarming to see this many motorists putting themselves and others at risk by driving while impaired," says Sgt. Leanne MacDonald, Nova Scotia RCMP Traffic Services. "Road safety is everyone's responsibility and I want to thank citizens who called 911 to report suspected impaired drivers throughout 2015. Your calls saved lives."

In an effort to address the issue of impaired drivers, MADD Canada launched the 2015 Atlantic Canada Project Red Ribbon Campaign during a ribbon cutting ceremony at Nova Scotia RCMP Headquarters in November. As MADD Canada's longest-running public awareness campaign, Project Red Ribbon empowers people to always drive sober and spreads information on how to combat impaired driving.

The ceremony included representatives from MADD Canada, Nova Scotia RCMP, Halifax Regional Police, sponsors and individuals whose lives were tragically impacted by impaired drivers. Each attendee was also given a red ribbon to help remind people to always drive sober.

Leave the phone alone: Distracted driving continues to pose safety risk

In 2015, RCMP in Nova Scotia issued 3,113 tickets for Distracted Driving while Operating a Motor Vehicle. Efforts continue to be focused on educating the public on the dangers of using a cell phone while driving and the importance of keeping their eyes on the road. By not paying attention for a split second, motorists run the risk of being involved in a serious injury or fatal collision.

Highlights from Halifax District

As part of Halifax District's Crime Reduction Strategy, the RCMP uses an intelligence-led policing model. This means police resources are deployed based on information gathered and analyzed by crime analysts to address recurring crimes, offenders and problem locations. The implementation of a Crime Reduction Strategy in 2010 resulted in a shift in service delivery and has led to significant reductions in crime.

Since 2012, Halifax District RCMP has seen a reduction of property offences by over 31 per cent. Property offences include theft from and of motor vehicles and property damage. Since 2012 there was also a decrease in robberies, weapons offenses and assaults causing bodily harm by almost 7 per cent.

Crime & Intelligence Symposium – a first for Canada

In June 2015, Halifax District RCMP hosted a two-day Crime and Intelligence Symposium. The first of its kind in Canada, the symposium showcased what crime and criminal intelligence analysts are doing across Canada, the United States and United Kingdom to aid investigations and ultimately, reduce crime.

Crime and intelligence analysis is an essential component of intelligence-led policing. Analysts work directly with investigators, providing specific, evidence-based information in real-time. They are often responsible for identifying crime trends, developing timelines and monitoring online activity. It is this information that assists officers throughout an investigation or when making decisions about where to put resources on the frontline.

The Crime and Intelligence Symposium provided crime analysts with practical take-aways and exposure to topics within the analytical world. It was also an excellent opportunity for analysts to share learnings nationally and internationally.

As part of Halifax District's Crime Reduction Strategy, the RCMP uses an intelligence-led policing model. This means police resources are deployed based on information gathered and analysed by crime analysts to address recurring crimes, offenders and problem locations. The implementation of a Crime Reduction Strategy for Halifax District RCMP in 2010 resulted in a shift in service delivery and has led to significant reductions in crime.

Since 2012, Halifax District RCMP has seen a reduction of property offences by over 31 per cent. Property offences include theft from and of motor vehicles and property damage. Since 2012 there was also a decrease in robberies, weapons offenses and assaults causing bodily harm by almost 7 per cent.

Street level enforcement

In March 2015, RCMP officers responded to a residential break and enter in Sackville where firearms and ammunition were stolen. Shortly after, Street Crime Enforcement Unit members received information about a man driving around the community with a firearm in his vehicle. Officers quickly located the vehicle and pulled the driver over. During the traffic stop a loaded sawed off 12 gauge shotgun was located along with drug paraphernalia. Officers then executed a search warrant at the driver's home and discovered stolen property including firearms from the earlier break and enter. A 36-year-old Sackville man was charged with a number of weapons and drug related offences.

In July 2015, members of the Halifax District Street Crime Enforcement Unit teamed up with general duty and Community Policing officers after information came forward indicating that there was illegal drug activity taking place in a residence near a Lower Sackville elementary school. A search warrant was executed at the residence and cocaine, prescription pills and imitation hand guns were seized. As a result, a 20-year-old Lower Sackville man was charged with Trafficking Cocaine.

In August 2015, an ultrasound machine was stolen from the Twin Oaks Memorial Hospital in Musquodoboit Harbour. Hospital officials contacted the Mosquodoboit Harbour RCMP indicating that the equipment was stolen and being sold online. The concern from the hospital was improper use of this piece of equipment as it would likely harm those not familiar with its use. Musquodoboit RCMP and Halifax District Street Crime Enforcement Unit officers worked collaboratively to recover the stolen property and charge a 38-year-old Musqudoboit Harbour man with Theft and Trafficking Stolen Property.

RCMP respond to multiple airplane bomb threats

In November 2015, days after the tragic terrorist attack in Paris, RCMP officers were called to respond to three separate bomb threats on aircrafts diverted to the Halifax Stanfield International Airport during the course of one week. As Nova Scotia's Provincial Police and Canada's national police force, it is our role to respond to all incidents that impact national security.

Affected flights included an Air France flight from Paris bound for Washington, a Turkish Airlines flight from New York bound for Istanbul, and a WestJet flight set to take off from Halifax headed to Calgary.

Officers searched each aircraft and associated luggage with assistance from a variety of units including Police Dog Services and the Explosives Disposal Unit. The RCMP also worked closely with the Airport Authority and numerous public safety and airport community partners as the incidents unfolded. In each instance thankfully no explosive devices were found. The aircrafts were released back to their airlines and passengers were able to continue on to their original destinations safely.

When incidents like this occur the RCMP leverages its network of intelligence sharing to determine if there is a broader national security threat or potential for additional incidents. This ensures that the RCMP can alert stakeholders and the public to potential public safety threats.

Proactive education leads to child exploitation charges

Throughout 2015, the Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit focused its efforts on combating child exploitation through education. To do this, officers developed a presentation for School and Community Resource officers across the province to deliver to schools and community groups. The presentation focused on the dangers of the Internet including Internet luring, protective steps that can be taken by children and parents, and what to do if a child is victimized. The presentation was rolled out in late fall and following one of the first presentations, a 13-year-old girl reported that she had been communicating with an 18-year-old male who had sent her sexually explicit pictures, talked about sexual relations with her and made a potential arrangement to meet. Members of the ICE Unit were notified immediately and as a result, executed a search warrant and arrested the suspect who was later charged accordingly.

Sexual Assault Investigation Team support victims

The Sexual Assault Investigation Team (SAIT) investigates all sexual assaults and child physical abuse in the Halifax Regional Municipality. They also investigate for other police agencies outside the Halifax region that require assistance in the area. Last year SAIT investigated approximately 550 cases.

Throughout 2015, the Unit was focused on training, education and strengthening relationships with partner agencies to improve the overall response to sexual assault investigations. Some examples include:

• SAIT members were active members of the Halifax Sexual Assault Response Team (HSART), comprised of several agencies including Avalon Sexual Assault Centre, the Nova Scotia Department of Community Services, Capital Health, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, Public Prosecution Services and the Nova Scotia Department of Justice. As part of HSART, SAIT is able to better understand the role and capabilities of each agency involved.
• SAIT worked with various universities in Halifax to better assist in their response to sexualized violence on campus.
• SAIT also worked with RCMP and Halifax Regional Police Victim Services in order to help victims proceed with investigations and better navigate the justice system by offering victims support, such as attending initial interviews.
• SAIT is a member of the Child Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC) Steering Committee. The goal of this committee is to open a stand-alone centre where child victims of crime can come for all services (medical, police, community services, counselling, etc.). A trial CYAC has successfully opened at the IWK Hospital. Work to get a stand-alone facility continues and SAIT provides a police perspective as the project moves forward.
• SAIT members attended national and international conferences on child abuse and sexual assault investigations. They have also conducted numerous presentations on the role of SAIT and police's response to sexualized violence for a number of high school and post-secondary education organizations.

"As investigators we appreciate the difficulties involved for victims of sexual assault to come forward, however a big part of our role is to support victims," says Sgt. Sarah Drummond, SAIT. "We do this by ensuring they have immediate access to appropriate supports and services and the information they need to make informed decisions to navigate the judicial system."

Highlights from Northeast Nova District

RCMP begins policing in Springhill

When the clock struck midnight on April 1, 2015, the RCMP officially began its duties as the policing service provider for the community of Springhill. Citizens arrived at the steps of the former Springhill Police office, where the RCMP is now located, to thank the former officers and welcome the incoming RCMP. A swearing-in ceremony was also held for three employees who joined the RCMP from the municipal police service.

The Springhill Detachment is part of the RCMP's Cumberland District, which includes Amherst, Oxford, Pugwash and Parrsboro. This means citizens in Springhill benefit from policing resources across the District.

Eskasoni RCMP helps recruiting efforts by working with First Nation communities

During the fall of 2015, members from the Eskasoni Detachment joined with the Community Aboriginal Diversity Policing Section (CADPS) of the RCMP to undertake proactive recruiting efforts in First Nation communities. By reaching out, members identified approximately 30 interested candidates from communities including Eskasoni, Wagmatcook and Waycobah. The candidates had an opportunity to do a test run of the RCMP's physical abilities test and speak with recruiters about becoming a member. The hope is that through dedicated outreach activities and by working with elders in the community, the RCMP can increase the number of individuals applying from our First Nation communities.

Bible Hill RCMP launches bike patrol

Providing policing services in Colchester County got a little more personal when the Colchester District RCMP secured a couple of bicycles for patrol purposes. Bicycles provide the officers with the ability to move and mingle in large crowds, patrol the trails and help out at parades where a police vehicle is not always practical.

Bike patrols will service downtown Bible Hill, where there are parks, recreation trails and lots of students in the area, along with other areas of the county such as Tatamagouche and Stewiacke

Public safety top priority as RCMP increases presence at Chase the Ace event

As thousands of people descended on Inverness County each weekend in August, September and early October, the RCMP worked closely with organizers of Chase the Ace to address public safety and traffic control concerns with the increasing population.

In addition to officers from the Inverness area, the RCMP brought in resources and officers from across the province. These resources included the RCMP helicopter to fly over the event, ATV's to do ground patrols and the Mobile Command Post.

Public safety was the top concern during the event. With a large number of people carrying cash, police were concerned they could be targeted and become a victim. Thanks to the co-operation of all those attending, there were very few incidents that required a police response.

New detachment building opens in Ingonish

After two years of planning and 14 months of construction, on December 3, 2015, the RCMP officially opened its door to the new detachment building in Ingonish.

During a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Assistant Commissioner Brian Brennan, Commanding Officer of the Nova Scotia RCMP, Mr. Robert Purcell, Executive Director of Public Safety and Security for the Nova Scotia Department of Justice, and Mr. Larry Dauphinee, Municipal Councillor for District #6 officially opened the building that replaced the Ingonish Beach Detachment, which was the oldest RCMP detachment building in Atlantic Canada.

The ceremony was made extra special thanks to the participation of students from Cape Smokey Elementary singing O Canada and a Mi'kmaq prayer and smudging by Wagmatcook First Nation Traditional Elder Marjorie Pierro and Elder Nancy Bernard. This project was unique given employees of the RCMP led the design and construction phases. Principle design was completed by DSRA Architecture in association with KMBR Architects Planners Inc., and construction was done by Joneljim Concrete Construction (1994) Limited. It is the first design of its type in Canada, and will serve as a template for three new RCMP detachment buildings in Newfoundland and Labrador in the near future.

The completion of this new facility is an example of how the RCMP is significantly investing and modernizing its services in the communities we serve across Nova Scotia.

Features of the new building include a state-of-the-art thermal design, automated lighting and plumbing fixtures, and a flexible design concept that will allow for future additions or renovations. The detachment also features a fully functional cell pavilion with secure cells, a breath-testing and fingerprinting area and a secure bay for prisoner transfers.

Three arrested for arson following suspicious Joggins fires

On May 5, 2015, the RCMP began an investigation after a number of suspicious fires were set in the community of Joggins.

Numerous fire departments were called to fires at four different buildings in the small community. As emergency personnel responded to those fires, a fifth blaze was reported at the Masonic Lodge building on Highway 242 in Joggins. A nearby Baptist church also sustained smoke and water damage after it caught fire.

Within days, the RCMP was joined by the fire department and Cumberland South MLA Jamie Baillie to meet with members of the community who expressed concern for their safety. The investigation was active and at that time the RCMP encouraged anyone with information to come forward regarding these incidents.

On June 25, two men from Joggins, aged 26 and 20, as well as a 21-year-old man from Upper Nappan, were arrested without incident. Each are facing five counts of Arson, one count of Conspiracy to Commit Arson and one count of Mischief. The matter is still before the courts.

Cops 'n' Kids camp

In late April, 76 youths from Cumberland Youth Advisory Groups and local high schools met for a Cops 'n' Kids weekend at the Tim Hortons Foundation in Tatamagouche. The RCMP, teachers, health nurses and students met at the camp which aimed to provide youth with leadership skills. The program is based off of the WITS (Walk Away, Ignore, Talk it Out, Seek Help) and LEADS (Look and listen, Explore points of view, Act, Did it work? And Seek help) anti-bullying programs.

Over the weekend, police and school officials mentored the senior high youth, who then mentored the junior high youth. This was to prepare the junior high youth to train elementary peer mediators upon their return to school.

"It was an amazing experience to see the changes occur amongst the youth over the course of the weekend. When they arrived many did not know one another, however by the end of the weekend it was almost like a family gathering. Memories were created during the weekend that will last a lifetime all while tackling tough issues facing our society today and developing plans to take back to their schools for action. I am hopeful that although it was my first camp that it will not be my last!"

Highlights from Southwest Nova District

Numerous residential break and enters in Annapolis & Digby Counties solved

In October 2015, Digby RCMP issued an arrest warrant for a 25-year-old Clementsport man wanted in relation to numerous break and enters in the Digby and Annapolis County areas of Nova Scotia and areas of New Brunswick. For several months he stole vehicles and ATVs, and took advantage of crimes of opportunity involving unlocked buildings, residences, and vehicles.

RCMP officers from Kings, Annapolis and Digby set up an intelligence-led joint task force that included the Street Crime Enforcement Unit. As a result, Digby and Annapolis District RCMP officers arrested the suspect on November 17, 2015.

"The arrest ended a very difficult period of time for the residents of Annapolis County, Digby and Meteghan" says S/Sgt. Dan MacGillivray, District Commander of Annapolis County RCMP. "The determination of this individual created an extraordinary policing event, and we are very thankful to the residents of Southwest Nova Scotia for their patience and cooperation in helping us apprehend him."

Operation Hamlin

Lunenburg County District RCMP, with assistance from numerous police agencies, charged 14 individuals with a total of 48 charges in relation to a 10-month drug trafficking investigation in Lunenburg County and Halifax Regional Municipality.

On August 26, 2015, over 100 police officers arrested 10 individuals, conducted eight residential search warrants and seized powder and crack cocaine, prescription pills, marihuana, marihuana grow operation equipment, cash and firearms. Three other individuals were arrested the week prior during the course of the investigation. The investigation demonstrated that a great deal of stolen property was being used as currency in the drug trade.

"The results of Operation Hamlin will have a direct impact on Lunenburg County, as it has dismantled a main supply of illicit drugs to our streets," says Supt. Sylvie Bourassa-Muise. "After Operation Hamlin, we expect to see an immediate reduction of these drugs available locally."

The operation was a coordinated effort between members from Lunenburg County RCMP, South Shore Integrated Street Crime Unit, South Shore CISNS, Federal Operations, Federal Operations Support, the Halifax District Criminal Investigation Division, and SCEU Units from Kings, Shelburne, and Halifax.

Operation Halvosso

Based on information that came forward from concerned citizens, officers in Annapolis County began a drug investigation in June 2015 that uncovered prescription and illicit drug trafficking in the town of Middleton and surrounding communities. Following a two-month investigation, the Annapolis County RCMP Street Crime Enforcement Unit charged seven individuals with drug-related offences, including those for prescription drugs and illegal street drugs. A marihuana grow operation was also shut down and stolen property including a four-wheeler ATV, jewelry, electronics and digital cameras was seized.

SSROs and CPOs – There's one near you!

In Southwest Nova District, there are 13 School Safety Resource Officers (SSROs) or Community Program Officers (CPOs), who are responsible for crime prevention and school, road, cyber and senior safety. Here are some examples of their work:

• During Police Week 2015 (May 11-15), Cst. Leanne Wells had children from schools in Barrington and Shelburne participate in a colouring contest to help students understand road and bicycle safety.
• In Annapolis County, Rodena Renaud and Cst. David Fairfax coordinated the 5th successful Cops 'n' Kids program. Hundreds of children were involved in various sessions on crime prevention, school safety and positive image building throughout the year. The RCMP partnered with the Nova Scotia Department of Justice, Bell, and Tim Horton's to run the program, which concluded with students attending the Tim Horton's Camp. Rodena was responsible for several other crime prevention programs as well, including the anti-bullying 'WITS' program (Walk away, Ignore, Talk it out, and Seek help).
• In Kings County, Cst. Kelli Gaudet was nominated for a Women in Policing award for her community work. Cst. Gaudet was responsible for initiating many community safety projects including the Kings County Distracted Driving initiative, 'Focus & Drive'. Cst. Gaudet is also responsible for many other preventative awareness sessions on cybercrime, child luring and bullying.
• Cst. Rod Francis, School Safety Resource Officer with the Chester RCMP Detachment, visited the students of Newcombville Elementary School in Lunenburg County to practice school safety drills. The drills ensure that both students and staff know what to do in the event of an emergency.

Giving back to our Fallen Heroes

During the first weekend in July 2015, the second annual Fallen Heroes Softball Tournament was held in the towns of New Minas and Kentville to raise money for the families of RCMP members killed in the line of duty. This year's tournament raised approximately $16,000 for the families of fallen member Cst. Dave Wynn and wounded Auxiliary Cst. Derek Bond who were both shot while on duty in Alberta. Twenty-three teams from across Nova Scotia and New Brunswick participated in the four-day tournament, which began with Mrs. Cay Wynn, the mother of Cst. Dave Wynn, throwing the opening pitch. After a well-played final game 'The Misfits', a local softball team from Annapolis Valley, took home the title of tournament champs.

Kings County introduces distracted driving program

Kings District RCMP is involved in a unique initiative in support of road safety. A group of volunteers from the RCMP, Kentville Police Services, students, businesses and volunteers created Kings County's first ever Distracted Driving Committee. The purpose was to reduce motor vehicle collisions caused by distracted driving. In February 2015, the Distracted Driving Committee launched 'Focus and Drive,' a campaign to educate the public about the dangers of distracting driving. As part of the campaign, students designed a logo and presented a series of educational awareness programs throughout the community. As well, the committee conducted checkpoints and handed out posters and key tags. For more information on the 'Focus and Drive' campaign, visit Kings County Distracted Driving Initiative.

Major Investigations

Murder charges in fatal house fire in Wyses Corner

On January 7, 2015, Halifax District RCMP were contacted by Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency Service after they responded to a house fire in a small community not far from Dollar Lake Provincial Park just before 5:00 p.m.

Multiple bodies were found inside the residence and the Homicide Unit of the Integrated Criminal Investigation Division assumed the lead for the investigation. Shortly after, at approximately 12:45 a.m. an adult male was arrested after he rammed two police vehicles with his car in the Milford area.

During the course of the investigation, officers determined the deaths of three people found inside the home were the result of a homicide. The man who was arrested in the Milford area was later charged in their deaths. Codey Reginald Hennigar of Wyses Corner was charged with Second-Degree Murder in the deaths of 74-year-old Ida Raye Ward, 81-year-old Clifford William Ward and 54-year-old Mildred Ann Ward, 54, all from Wyses Corner.

The case is still before the courts.

Man faces criminal, regulatory charges in auto body shop death

In September 2013, Peter Kempton was killed when the vehicle he was working on caught fire at Your Mechanic Auto in Dartmouth. The Department of Labour and Advanced Education and the Integrated Criminal Investigation Division launched investigations into the incident.

Elie Phillip Hoyeck of Milford was the first person in Nova Scotia to be charged with Criminal Negligence Causing Death under Bill C-45. Hoyeck was the business owner of Your Mechanic Auto Corner. During the course of the investigation, police collaborated with investigators from Labour and Advanced Education and the Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service.

In addition, Hoyeck faced 12 charges under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

A preliminary inquiry has been scheduled for November 2016.

Operation Harrington

Nova Scotia RCMP, with assistance from numerous national and international police agencies, made several arrests and laid multiple charges in relation to a two-year international drug trafficking investigation with ties to Colombian and Mexican drug cartels.

During the spring of 2013, the RCMP Federal Serious & Organized Crime Unit began a drug investigation that uncovered eight conspiracies to import cocaine into Canada from a number of countries including Antigua, Brazil, Colombia, Guyana and the United States. In addition, there were four investigations into trafficking of cocaine and one investigation into trafficking in firearms.

Over the course of the investigation, vehicles, firearms, drug paraphernalia, cash and over 200 kgs of cocaine were seized and 15 individuals are facing 45 charges.

"These arrests represent a milestone in our fight against transnational crime in Canada,' says Deputy Commissioner Mike Cabana, Federal Policing. 'By capitalizing on major investigations such as this one, we aim to make it increasingly difficult for criminals to make crime profitable."

Foiled mass shooting plot

On the morning of February 12, 2015, information came forward to police via a Crime Stoppers tip regarding a potential significant weapons-related threat. Information suggested that a 19-year-old Timerblea man and a 23-year-old woman from Geneva, Illinois had access to firearms and they intended to go to the Halifax Shopping Centre on February 14 with a goal of opening fire to kill citizens, and then themselves.

RCMP and Halifax Regional Police officers from the Integrated Criminal Investigation Division immediately began an investigation and later that evening, located the 19-year-old man in a home in Timberlea. At 1:20 a.m., the Emergency Response Team entered the home and found him deceased. At approximately 2:00 a.m., police went on to arrest a 20-year-old male and 23-year-old female at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport.

Both were eventually charged with Conspiracy to Commit Murder. The matter is still before the courts.

The tireless efforts of all of those involved from the RCMP, Halifax Regional Police, Geneva Police Department and other policing partners allowed officers to divert what had the potential to be an extremely tragic incident. Within hours, officers were able to identify suspects, intercept the threat and ultimately, save lives.

This was an eye opener to police and citizens however Nova Scotians went above and beyond to show their support. It was truly humbling and we are thankful for the support and confidence citizens showed in us.

Federal Policing

Much of the work that members of Federal Operations undertake is not visible to the public, however, employees in these units work on a number of projects including long-term investigations tackling serious and organized crime groups. Federal Policing officers are usually dressed in plain clothes and in some cases, operate undercover. These members are required to follow criminal activity around the globe and work closely with domestic and international law enforcement partners such as Canada Border Services Agency, Department of National Defence and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation and Drug Enforcement Administration.

Twelve charged, 116 charges laid in joint investigation targeting contraband tobacco

RCMP in Nova Scotia, Federal and Serious Organized Crime Unit and Service Nova Scotia Compliance and Special Investigations Unit charged 12 people and searched five convenience stores as part of an investigation into contraband tobacco in early 2015. Service Nova Scotia conducts joint investigations with the RCMP and other enforcement agencies to combat the illegal sale of tobacco products.

Officers started an investigation into the possible illegal wholesaling of tobacco products across the Halifax region in September 2014. Contraband tobacco is any tobacco that does not comply with all federal and provincial laws, including those governing importation, stamping, marking, manufacturing, taxes and duties.

Investigators determined that a convenience store on the Bedford Highway was illegally wholesaling tobacco products to associated retailers/convenience stores throughout the Halifax region. As part of the investigation, officers seized 74 cartons of cigarettes and wrappers from an additional 93 cartons, suggesting the cigarettes were removed from the packaging prior to resale. In addition, officers allege that an excess amount of contraband tobacco was being distributed amongst the 11 stores within the Halifax region that were subject to the investigation.

Under the Revenue Act, no retail vendor is permitted to buy, sell or transport tobacco in excess of five cartons of tobacco unless it is purchased from a legitimate wholesaler or as indicated in the Revenue Act.

On January 22, 2015, officers searched five stores and 12 people faced charges including Purchase of Contraband Tobacco, Transporting Contraband Tobacco and Possession of Contraband Tobacco.

National marihuana trafficking network dismantled in Operation Hagrid: 13 arrested

Operation Hagrid was a five-month investigation led by the Nova Scotia RCMP, with assistance from RCMP in B.C., and resulted in the arrest of 13 people for drug trafficking and money laundering offences in October 2015.

The investigation targeted a suspected drug trafficking network operating in Lower Mainland, B.C. that extended across Canada. Individuals were believed to be distributing large quantities of marihuana from Vancouver to Toronto, Montreal, Halifax and St. John's.

The investigation confirmed that individuals were traveling via commercial airlines and transporting marihuana and large quantities of cash in their checked baggage. RCMP alleged the individuals were conspiring to move a significant volume of drugs from one location to another in Canada.

In late October, officers from the RCMP Federal and Serious Organized Crime Unit searched six homes in the Halifax Regional Municipality and eight homes in the Lower Mainland, B.C. Seven men were arrested in the Lower Mainland area and five men and one woman were arrested in Halifax.

At the conclusion of the investigation, police seized 14 vehicles, over $230,000 and over 200 lbs of marihuana.

"This cooperative effort with the criminal intelligence section of B.C. and RCMP federal investigators in Nova Scotia is an excellent example of the success which can be generated through cooperative enforcement efforts and effective intelligence sharing,"

The case and charges are currently before the courts.

Fentanyl seizure in Halifax

A joint investigation conducted by the Nova Scotia RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime Section and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) resulted in charges against a Halifax man.

In early July, CBSA in Vancouver intercepted a package destined for a home in Halifax that contained approximately 514 grams of acetyl fentanyl. CBSA contacted the RCMP Federal Serious & Organized Crime Unit who began an investigation resulting in the execution of a search warrant at a Halifax residence on August 7, 2015.

As a result, a 54 year-old Halifax man was arrested without incident and charged with Importing a Controlled Substance. He is scheduled to appear in court in June 2016.

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid drug commonly used for long-term pain management. It can come in the form of a patch, pill or powder and has become popular as a street drug. When sold on the street, it can be mixed in with or labelled as oxycodone or hydromorphone. Like all prescription drugs, taking fentanyl when not prescribed by a physician may result in serious injury or death.

Marine Security Operations Centre (East)

Located within the HMCS Dockyards, the Marine Security Operations Centre (East) MSOC(E) is one of three MSOC centres in Canada. MSOC is comprised of multiple government agencies who have shared interests within the maritime environment.

MSOC is made up of representatives from the RCMP, Canada Border Services Agency, Canadian Coast Guard, Conservation and Protection (DFO), Department of National Defense and Transport Canada. These agencies work side-by-side to collect and analyze maritime intelligence.

MSOC's primary function is for agencies to collaborate in the interpretation of marine related data, information and intelligence. Once analyzed, information is shared throughout a network of local, provincial, national and international agencies. MSOC, along with their international partners form part of a larger intelligence network that contributes to the safety and security of Canada.

MSOC's products form part of a total situational awareness picture that is used to resolve marine security threats. At any given time, MSOC(E) is observing hundreds of vessels within its area of responsibility. In 2015, MSOC(E) played a support role in a number of investigations that had a marine component including the offshore petroleum industry, foreign vessels from Ebola affected countries, pleasure-crafts, fishing vessels and commercial vessels. MSOC(E) has led to enhanced tracking of vessels operating in Canadian waters, increased surveillance, and improved domestic and international cooperation.

National security

The National Security Enforcement Section (NSES) is an RCMP enforcement unit that is part of the National Security Criminal Investigations program. NSES in cooperation with other Canadian law enforcement agencies is responsible for the prevention, detection, and investigation of national security criminal offences in Nova Scotia.

The section investigates terrorism, espionage, foreign influenced activities, attacks against critical infrastructure, incidents involving the security of internationally protected persons, terrorist financing and the unlawful release of sensitive or classified information that could cause national harm.

During the past year, NSES has been involved in a variety of criminal investigations that have a national security component including incidents of high risk travellers arriving or departing Canada through the Halifax Stanfield International Airport, and the Halifax Shopping Centre foiled mass shooting plot. As part of the National Security Community Outreach Program, NSES has also been forming partnerships with community groups and conducting presentations to increase national security awareness in the community.

Have you seen Jane Doe?

It's after 8:00 p.m. and a mother has not heard from her daughter since she left for school that morning. This is completely out of character and a mother's intuition is telling her something isn't right. She calls the police and is asked a number of questions. Within minutes, an investigation begins into her daughter's whereabouts.

This is an unfortunate reality for many people. Throughout 2015, the RCMP responded to over 1,000 incidents involving a missing person.

Many people still believe that you have to wait 24 hours to report someone missing. The RCMP wants to dispel that myth.

• There is no waiting period to file a missing person report. If not hearing from someone is out of character, or they are vulnerable (youth, mental health issues), citizens can call police to report.
• You do not have to be a relative to file a missing person report.
• To report a missing person in the Halifax Regional Municipality, call 902-490-5020. For all other areas policed by RCMP, call 1-800-803-7267.
• Once you report someone as missing, a police officer will contact you to gather as much information as possible.
• No piece of information is too small. Officers will ask a number of questions. Does the individual have a routine? What they were last seen wearing? Are they active on social media sites? Do they have any medical conditions? Do they have access to funds through a bank? Do they have a cell phone?
• Depending on how the investigation progresses, police will issue a news release to the public and media, and post photos of your loved one on social media. Often these social media posts provide useful information related to a person's whereabouts.

We continue to investigate any new information or avenues that come forward until there is some resolution to the case. If you have any information about a missing person, no matter how old the information is, we urge you to please come forward.

Operational Support Services

Members of the Operational Support Services team are experts in their field and ready to respond to situations unfolding across the province. From investigating major and serious crimes, responding to high risk emergency situations and providing a range of specialized services and expertise, the RCMP demonstrates its capability as Nova Scotia's Provincial Police by utilizing these units to support public safety. Throughout this report you will see examples of how units in Support Services provide critical support to frontline operations.

RCMP Victim Services helps victims of crime

Being a victim or witness to a crime is not something that people are prepared for and each person's response will differ. It is because of this that the RCMP has a Victim Services program.

The Nova Scotia RCMP Victim Services program has 41 volunteers who provide victims of crime emotional support, information and referrals to other community or justice partners. In addition, the volunteer victim support workers respond to crises in their local communities where police are involved and the RCMP Detachment/District Commander requests support. This service is provided free of charge by trained volunteers working under the direction of the RCMP Community Aboriginal Diversity Policing Section and all information is kept strictly confidential.

Under the Victim Services program, the RCMP has three domestic violence coordinators who work from Enfield, Windsor and Amherst. These coordinators have specialized training to intervene and provide support in cases where there is an increased likelihood of future violence in relationships.

In addition, the Victim Services program provides victims with the following:

• Information on social, legal, medical and mental health services
• Personal safety and home security information
• Acts as a liaison with police, agencies and organizations in communities
• Emotional support
• Assistance with referrals to other agencies that may be helpful
• General information regarding the justice process

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer in our Victim Services program, please contact your local RCMP detachment for more information.

RCMP Critical Incident Command

The changing face of our threat environment requires constant vigilance and preparation for worst-case scenarios. In Nova Scotia, a seemingly routine police call can quickly change into a critical incident. A critical incident is any major planned or unplanned event ranging from a natural disaster to a coordinated terrorist event. These incidents often create confusion and conflict and there is usually minimal information about what is going on.

The Nova Scotia RCMP has five specially trained Critical Incident Commanders (CICs) who are on-call, 24/7 to support the frontline. These Commanders are experienced police officers with a variety of tactical backgrounds. They provide advice on emerging situations and can deploy quickly to take control on the ground as required.

The CIC role is to reduce confusion through coordinated control of a scene, creation of strategies, and facilitation of solutions. The immediate role of an RCMP CIC at any critical incident is to bring leadership and expertise to chaos and establish immediate priorities. Often, CICs operate with partner agencies such as municipal police and fire services, Nova Scotia Emergency Management Office, all levels of government, Canadian Armed Forces, Canadian Coast Guard, and many others. CICs regularly train with the RCMP Emergency Response Team (ERT), and take a number of national and international courses to remain current on incident command and lessons learned.

In 2015, our CICs were involved in the command and control of aircraft bomb threats at Halifax Stanfield International Airport, moose cull protests in the Cape Breton Highlands, and Exercise Frontier Sentinel 2015 held in Yarmouth, the largest international marine counter terrorism exercise in Atlantic Canada.

RCMP and Nova Scotia Medical Examiner's Office partner in unique pilot project

In June 2015, the Nova Scotia RCMP and the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner's Office entered into a unique partnership to train a cadaver dog to locate human remains. This was a first for the RCMP in Canada.

Similar to training a dog to locate drugs, training a cadaver dog is very specialized. All of the RCMP police dogs in Nova Scotia can locate human remains however cadaver dogs are experts in finding buried historical remains.

Part of that process requires the police dog to train with human tissue. With consent of families, the RCMP is provided human tissue samples. The Medical Examiner's Office help families with this process as choosing to donate can be a way to add to the legacy of their loved one.

Police dog handler Cst. Brian Veniot and his dog Doc have been part of this project. The goal has been to see how Doc reacts and what his success is in locating remains in different conditions.

To date, Doc has assisted on numerous investigations across Nova Scotia. While details cannot be shared, it is clear the cadaver pilot project is adding another dimension to police investigations and to the work of all RCMP Police Dog Services in Nova Scotia.

Amber Alert in Nova Scotia expands reach with Facebook page, alerts

Police in Nova Scotia announced in May 2015 that the Amber Alert program launched a dedicated Facebook page that will, along with Facebook Canada, deliver alert notifications directly to Nova Scotians on their computers and mobile devices. Citizens can sign up at AMBER Alert Nova Scotia / Alerte AMBER Nouvelle-Écosse.

The same day, Facebook Canada announced that Amber Alerts will be delivered directly to the news feed of people who are in a designated search area. An alert that includes comprehensive details and a photo of an abducted child will appear only in the mobile news feeds of people in the designated search area. Users can then share the alert quickly with family and friends.

"With over 13 million Canadians using Facebook on their mobile phone every day, it makes sense to harness that and drive as much awareness as possible when a child is abducted,"

In Nova Scotia, the RCMP distributes Amber Alert notifications on behalf of all police services in the province. When an Amber Alert is activated, information will be shared through various mediums including media, social media and web sites. This will occur at various times until the alert is cancelled either upon the successful conclusion of the investigation or when the alert is considered no longer effective.

Support from public & volunteers key to success of Crime Stoppers

The Crime Stoppers program in Nova Scotia is coordinated by the RCMP and consists of a dedicated group of 100 volunteers. The volunteers play a vital role in promoting the program and supporting law enforcement by serving as that connection point for tipsters with information on crimes that have occurred or those that may occur.

Crime Stoppers takes information regarding the whereabouts of wanted persons, stolen property, narcotics, or any other criminal activity. If you are not sure that what you saw or heard is really a crime, call anyway. Law enforcement agencies can review the information and determine the next steps. It may be a piece of a larger investigation.

The foundation of the Crime Stoppers program is anonymity. Trained information takers gather information from the tipster and compile it into a report for police. Throughout the entire process they ensure the report contains no information that might identify the tipster. When the information is passed on to the appropriate law enforcement agency they investigate to ensure the information is correct and not given maliciously. Police cannot get a search warrant or make an arrest based solely on a tip; there must be other intelligence to support the Crime Stoppers information.

The Crime Stoppers program continues to be a success because citizens care about the safety of their communities. In 2015, over 6,700 calls were received. Every call and tip is important.

To ensure continued support and to raise awareness, in 2015 Crime Stoppers' focus was enhancing relationships with First Nation communities. A poster campaign was created and provided to First Nation communities around the province in both Mi'kmaq and English. In addition, Crime Stoppers representatives presented in First Nation communities.

Expecting the unexpected – Emergency Preparedness

Nova Scotians expect their Provincial Police force to be prepared, highly trained and have the appropriate resources to respond to an emergency at any time. Expecting the unexpected is what Emergency Management Section does best. This section is responsible for the coordination and management of RCMP emergency preparedness and response throughout Nova Scotia. Extensive research and training goes into developing Emergency Operational Plans for major events, natural disasters, civil disorder and overall public safety.

RCMP plays key role during mandatory evacuation order in Lake Major

On January 16, 2015, representatives from the RCMP Emergency Management Section and Halifax District were called to a meeting about emergency repairs that would be required to the Lake Major dam. There were about 135 homes east of Dartmouth that were affected by a mandatory evacuation order due to fears the Lake Major dam would breach. While the dam was structurally sound, repairs to a fish ladder needed to take place immediately.

The evacuation process began later that evening with RCMP going door-to-door to speak to residents. The evacuation went smoothly and RCMP officers patrolled the evacuated areas while the homes were left unoccupied.

During the evacuation, RCMP worked closely with officials from the Halifax Regional Municipality including Halifax Water and the Nova Scotia Emergency Management Office. The RCMP's role was to ensure that citizens who could be in danger if the dam burst while the repairs were underway were evacuated and maintain traffic control. To facilitate this, the RCMP brought in its mobile command post which served as the base of operations in the community. In addition, the RCMP worked with other partners to ensure information was shared with the affected community members and with the public via social media.

The repairs were completed and all residents returned to their homes safely.

RCMP participate in Exercise Frontier Sentinel

The policing environment in Canada is changing. With that awareness, police are continually assessing and evaluating how they respond to major incidents.

During October 2015, the Nova Scotia RCMP showcased its critical incident command training and ability to respond to dangerous and violent situations by participating in Exercise Frontier Sentinel 2015. The full-scale test involved multiple government departments and agencies responding to a simulated multi-dimensional attack on land and at sea.

Exercise Frontier Sentinel provided an opportunity for partners to train, evaluate, and enhance capabilities in response to threats to North American security. Participating agencies included Joint Task Force Atlantic, the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Coast Guard, the US Navy, US Coast Guard, Transport Canada, Canada Border Services Agency, the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness, Emergency Health Services, the Nova Scotia Emergency Management Office, the Town of Yarmouth, and the RCMP. Several Canadian and American warships, military aircraft, Coast Guard vessels and other government assets were used in the exercise.

The week-long exercise was complex and tested the RCMP's ability to respond to a major terrorist incident. The training scenarios drew on a number of specialized RCMP units including the Division Emergency Operation Centre, Emergency Response Team, Emergency Medical Response Team, Underwater Recovery Team, and Major Crimes Unit. RCMP Federal Policing was the investigative lead.

Exercise Frontier Sentinel 2015 included a variety of scenarios designed to test officer's skills and training including:

• An active shooter in the Yarmouth ferry terminal
• Information leak that caused mass public hysteria
• Operational and logistical support strains
• A National Security Enforcement Section investigation
• A ferry hijacking at sea
• An at-sea boarding of the hijacked ferry by navy boarding parties and the RCMP ERT team.

Our participation in this year's exercise served to strengthen an already solid relationship with our Canadian Armed Forces colleagues.

Administration and Personnel

The Administration and Personnel Office ensures that the Nova Scotia RCMP provides a modern, trustworthy and effective police service. It provides services related to security, mental health, training, performance measurements, and officer conduct in order to provide employees with a safe and supportive work environment. The Administration and Personnel Office is also responsible for staffing all RCMP personnel including Regular and Civilian members, and public servants.

Atlantic Region Departmental Security Section

The Atlantic Region Departmental Security Section plays an integral role in ensuring the safety and security of RCMP employees, information, facilities and equipment, and is made up of several units.

The Personnel Security Unit ensures that all employees and volunteers are subjected to a rigorous screening process to obtain security clearance to perform their duties. This also extends to any contractors requiring physical access to RCMP locations. The process ensures that personnel can be trusted to handle sensitive information and equipment in a highly secure environment.

The Communication Technology Security Unit is responsible for implementing measures to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of RCMP data and voice communications.

The Information Technology Security Unit ensures that all IT systems are installed and configured according to policy, and that the electronic transmission, processing and storage of information and data is done in a secure manner.

The Physical Security Unit oversees the security of RCMP buildings and office space.

Assessments are conducted regularly to ensure the integrity of our facilities and to identify areas that may need improvement.

Nova Scotia RCMP Aboriginal recruitment strategy

Recruiting new candidates is a priority of the RCMP across Canada. We are actively recruiting in Nova Scotia, holding information sessions across the province to speak with those considering a career with the RCMP. We encourage men and women of all backgrounds to apply, as a diverse work place gives the RCMP an enhanced understanding of cultural issues, helps to provide a balanced approach to problem-solving and allows us to better relate to the citizens in the communities we serve.

Serving Canada's Aboriginal communities is also a priority of the RCMP. As such, the Nova Scotia RCMP is committed to promoting and encouraging the recruitment of Aboriginal persons so our members reflect those communities we serve. Nova Scotia has developed a strategy to assist with the recruitment of qualified candidates from our First Nation communities. We are working with the Chiefs of each First Nation community to identify potential applicants, and make Aboriginal RCMP officers available to provide any advice or guidance the applicants may require.

RCMP accountability

The Enhancing Royal Canadian Mounted Police Accountability Act came into effect on November 28, 2014, and has modernized the RCMP's human resource processes and the Force's accountability to the public. This has resulted in streamlined and simplified investigation processes for Code of Conduct violations in a number of areas, including public complaints.

Conduct

The RCMP is committed to providing Nova Scotians with a professional and trustworthy police service. While RCMP members are subject to the same laws as all Canadians, their behaviour and actions are also guided by the Code of Conduct of the RCMP both on and off duty. In 2014, the Code of Conduct was updated and modernized to allow a quicker and more efficient response to possible violations.

Public complaints

The Civilian Review and Complaints Commission (CRCC) for the RCMP review complaints made by the public. The Nova Scotia RCMP is then given one year to investigate complaints and respond to the Commission who then makes a decision in the matter. The RCMP in Nova Scotia is committed to investigating and responding to all complaints in a timely manner. Public complaints can be filed in regards to RCMP members' behaviour and actions. More information can be found at: Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP.

Mental health strategy

The RCMP launched a five-year mental health strategy with a vision of enhancing the health, safety and resiliency of its employees. The Nova Scotia RCMP encourages education and training, and created a division-wide support network for employees and their families through programs such as Peer to Peer, the Balanced Approach, and Road to Mental Readiness (R2MR).

The Peer to Peer program allows employees to reach out to a network of trained colleagues for support in a confidential and informal setting. These colleagues can then refer employees to appropriate programs.

The Balanced Approach is an assessment tool designed to assist managers with identifying successes and opportunities for improvement in their leadership behaviours, processes and skills.

Road to Mental Readiness (R2MR) is a training program which has a history of success with the Department of National Defence and has been adopted and adapted by the RCMP. The goal of the program is to increase the resilience of our employees in order to prepare them for challenges they may encounter.

Behind the scenes

There is a great deal of behind the scenes work carried out by Civilian Members and Public Service Employees of the Nova Scotia RCMP to support community safety. Officers rely on these colleagues for their specialized knowledge and services on a daily basis. From Detachment Services Assistants to Commissionaires, Strategic Communications Advisors to Financial and Crime and Criminal Intelligence Analysts, 911 Operators to Human Resources Advisors, Civilian and Public Service Employees are an integral part of the RCMP team.

Keeping you in the loop

Old Man Winter

In February 2015, Nova Scotia RCMP asked for the public's assistance in apprehending Old Man Winter who was wanted in relation to a series of storms in Nova Scotia that left behind massive amounts of snow across the province.

Old Man Winter was responsible for numerous highway closures, snow days, excessive shoveling and visits to the chiropractor, and can be expected to return to Nova Scotia next winter.

The public had a lot of fun with this with over one million views on social media from around the world. Closer to home a grade four/five class from the Rankin School of the Narrows even created wanted posters to help us out!

Five reasons not to drink and drive - Personal stories from RCMP officers

Impaired driving is the number one criminal cause of death in Canada, and RCMP officers are often the first to arrive at the scene of motor vehicle crashes involving alcohol. Police see firsthand how tragic the decision to drink and drive can be. They see the pain that families experience when they've learned that a loved one has died.

This past summer, RCMP in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island joined forces on social media to highlight the personal stories and memories of five officers and their encounters with impaired drivers and collisions. These were tragedies where families and entire communities were devastated because someone chose to drink and drive.

Their five stories reached over 1.5 million people through social media and countless others through traditional media and served as a powerful message about the consequences of drinking and driving.

In Nova Scotia, Cpl. Janet LeBlanc recounted her unfortunate memory of informing a man that his friend had died in an impaired driving crash. What made her story unique was that both men had been drinking together all evening, and both ended up getting in separate collisions within minutes of each other after each decided to drive home. One man lived and the other did not.

"I will always remember the pain on this man's face when I had to tell him about his friend, and I would love to know if this tragic event has prevented him from drinking and driving again," says Cpl. LeBlanc. "Because if this sad event couldn't stop someone from drinking and driving, what could?"

By sharing her story, Cpl. LeBlanc not only provided awareness about the tragic consequences of drinking and driving, she also showed that fatal impaired driving crashes are a statistic that can be prevented when people simply choose to not to get behind the wheel after drinking.

Nova Scotia RCMP introduces puppy recruits

Nova Scotia RCMP welcomed two furry, four-legged recruits in December. The brothers' arrival stirred cross-Canada conversation and the public response inspired the Nova Scotia RCMP to share regular updates on the puppies' progress through social media.

Police Dog Service puppies, Hamer and Helo, captivated the public with their comically contrasting personalities, Hamer being calm and patient and Helo vocal and animated.

Sadly, 14-week-old Helo passed away in January 2016 due to medical complications following surgery. The RCMP was deeply saddened by the loss and remembers Helo as a bouncy pup who always had something to say.

His brother Hamer presses on and is expected to work with his imprinter, Cst. Richard Bushey, for the next year as he socializes and builds confidence in different situations. An imprinter is a general duty police officer who has received specialized training in rearing pups and has an interest in becoming an RCMP dog handler. Following completion of the puppy program, Hamer will be eligible to enter the Police Dog Service training program. We are rooting for Hamer in his quest to eventually work among the best as an RCMP police dog.

"Gnome for the Holidays"

In December the Nova Scotia RCMP, Halifax Regional Police and Cape Breton Regional Police launched a new holiday campaign to arm Nova Scotians with safety tips for the winter holiday season.

From December 14 to January 1, the participating police agencies used social media to release photos of Jingle the gnome acting out tips ranging from vehicle protection to crime prevention.

We, along with citizens, had a lot of fun with Jingle and based on the thousands of social media interactions, we think he left a lasting impact on Nova Scotians!

#TrafficTuesday

In November the Nova Scotia RCMP launched its #TrafficTuesday initiative on social media.

Every Tuesday, we share specific road safety tips and questions with citizens on the Nova Scotia RCMP Facebook and Twitter accounts. The goal is to raise awareness about road safety topics by engaging the public in the discussion. #TrafficTuesday has also become an opportunity for the RCMP to answer road safety or Motor Vehicle Act questions from the public.

In 2015 #TrafficTuesday covered safe winter driving practices, emergency vehicle kits, tire tread depth, impaired driving prevention, and responsible party hosting during the holidays. By supplementing regular patrols and roadside checkpoints with proactive #TrafficTuesday messages, the RCMP in Nova Scotia is reinforcing the importance of road safety, a provincial policing priority for the Force.

#ThrowbackThursday campaign

In October 2015, the RCMP in Nova Scotia launched a #ThrowbackThursday campaign on our social media sites as a way to share and celebrate our history. Throwback Thursday is a trend among social media sites wherein users post or repost older photographs with the hashtag #tbt.

Assistant Commissioner Brian Brennan, Commanding Officer for RCMP in Nova Scotia, is an avid collector of RCMP memorabilia and photos and thought it would be great to share some of the photos collected throughout his career. "Pictures can bring back fond emotions and memories and having the opportunity to share them with people on social media has been fun. It has also been an opportunity for our followers to share memories of the Force when they were growing up."

Many of the photos highlight the RCMP's history in Nova Scotia, while others reflect the history of RCMP Depot or the Royal North West Mounted Police. Pictures are posted on the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Nova Scotia Facebook page and on Twitter @RCMPNS with the hashtag #tbt. The campaign will continue through 2016.

Thank you for your kind words…

The men and women of the RCMP have the privilege of serving the people of Nova Scotia. What makes this job even more rewarding is when we reflect on the comments and feedback from you, our citizens.

Today around 11:00 a.m. I watched a Cole Harbour RCMP officer leave the Royal Bank on Cole Harbour Road and go out of his way to help an elderly lady out of her car. By far one of the nicest things I have seen in a long time :)

Recently, my daughter Nicola went off the road in Centreville, during a winter storm. The temperatures were bitter and she was alone. Fortunately, you came by soon after and I'd like to thank you for being there for her. Although you were off duty, you responded to her in a time of need. Thank you.

As a parent of a grade four student at the Annapolis East Elementary School, I want to thank members of the Middleton Detachment and other offices that responded to the reported possibly armed individual sighting by student(s) at the school yesterday. I am so very thankful to the RCMP for their quick and substantial response, and their continued presence. I also want to express my heartfelt thanks to all of the staff at the school. Thank you all for looking after and protecting our children.

I want to commend the officers at the Enfield Detachment for always being professional and courteous when I was going through troubled times due to drinking. They made way too many visits to my address and I apologize for wasting their time when they had better things to do. When the officers did show up (and no doubt those involved will remember my name) their behaviour was impeccable. I have no complaints. I offer them my thanks for being very professional. They eased some difficult situations. I might note, and the Enfield Detachment may have noticed, there are no more calls out to my address. Getting arrested a few times snapped me out of my stupidity, and I have been working for two months. Thank you.

I was out for a ride on my motorcycle last Sunday and passed a radar check on the Waverley Road. I was just at the speed limit of 50 so was surprised to see a cruiser with sirens and lights in my mirrors. The officer was frantically chasing me down to tell me that fuel was pouring from my 2001 BMW R1150GS motorcycle. He said "You're in luck, I'm also a mechanic." I got out my toolkit and the officer repaired my disconnected fuel line and helped me locate the nearest gas station since I was now almost out of fuel. I thanked the officer and said "Tell your wife you saved a life today, and he replied "Tell yours that you don't always just get pulled over for speeding." Just wanted to pass along my thanks once more to the officer.

Today my cousin and I required the services of the RCMP in New Minas, for assistance in dealing with a private family matter. This man went above and beyond to help us with what we were attempting to deal with. It turned a very bad day into one that ended with me smiling. He was professional, empathetic and compassionate. Please accept our heartfelt thanks

I want to thank the officer who spoke with my four-year-old son a few weeks ago at the Esso in Milford. My son loves police officers and will tell anyone who listens that when he grows up he wants to be a motorcycle police officer. Please pass along my sincere thanks to your officer. Every time we pass the Milford Esso he looks for this officer. Taking a moment from his day, this officer made a lasting impression on my son. I'm glad that he sees RCMP officers as approachable and people to trust in our community.

A big THANK YOU to the officer, probably from the Musquodoboit Harbour Detachment, who just pulled a driver over on the 107. Someone pulled a very dangerous driving maneuver around us, just as we met two RCMP cars coming in the opposite direction. Couldn't have timed it better. One of the cars turned right around and came back to pull the person over. I wanted to give a high five and yell thanks when we passed him after he pulled the car over, but refrained :)

I wanted to express to you all, in particular the Antigonish Detachment, a sincere and heart felt thank you. My older brother and best friend, died on Feb 6, as a result of a head on collision with a tractor trailer. He was/is a remarkable man. We appreciate so much that you were there for him on the scene and that he was not alone, and that you were desperately working to save him. It may sound a little odd but you guys were with a true guardian angel that day as he was beginning his journey home. I hope each day when you go to work on the good days and the darker ones, you realize how much you are appreciated. God Bless.

The RCMP is hiring!

Did you know there are more than 150 different types of operational and administrative opportunities within the RCMP?

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police offers meaningful work, vast opportunities, the chance to serve across Canada and a career like no other. RCMP officers play an important role in ensuring the safety and security of those in the communities they serve. Responsible for enforcing the law and investigating the crime, our officers are role models and leaders who provide advice and guidance to people from all walks of life. If you want to make a difference in your community and your country, this is a career to consider.

The RCMP is looking for people who are responsible, respectful, professional, compassionate, honest and who have integrity. Once training is successfully complete, a new member will be posted to one of our 750 detachments across Canada.

For more information on a career with the RCMP and basic requirements, visit our website at www.rcmpcareers.ca where you will also find information on career presentations.

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ISSN: 2368-9862
Cat. No.: PS61-21E
© 2016 HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN IN RIGHT OF CANADA as represented by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Date modified:

2016-06-07